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Match Reports - Season 2001/2


Maidstone United (0) 2 Whitstable Town (0) 0

RM May 11,2002 Attendance: 900.
Hundreds of Maidstone United supporters celebrated at Cheriton Road as Jimmy Ward's side completed the Bass Brewers Kent Football League double with a 2-0 win over Whitstable Town on Saturday afternoon.

The Folkestone Invicta ground was again packed with visiting supporters as it had been for the visit of Tamworth on the last day of the league season a fortnight earlier.

But this time there was a happy ending for the vast majority of the 900 crowd as sleeping giants Maidstone continued their rejuvenation under chairman Paul Bowden-Brown.

Homeless Stones have been denied promotion to the Dr Martens League as they only have a three-year groundshare with Sittingbourne. That seems a shame as their vast array of supporters would be an asset to any league, but it was a lack of their own ground which led to their demise as a Football League club more than a decade ago.

Maidstone had to wait until the 75th minute to open the scoring in Saturday's final when club legend Steve Butler drilled a low shot into the net from the edge of the area.

40-year-old Butler re-joined the club in January having started the season on Peter Taylor's coaching staff at Leicester City. He had been a part of Taylor's Gillingham side which won promotion to Division One via the play offs two years ago.

The breakthrough came just three minutes after Butler had rifled an almost identical chance just wide from a corner.

Butler was also involved in the second goal six minutes into stoppage time when he combined superbly with substitute Richard Sinden whose mis-cued volley trickled over the line after he waited for the ball to come down.

The game had been held up for several minutes when one idiot threw a can of beer onto the pitch. The flashpoint came when a goal kick was awarded in the 62nd minute after Steve Marshall had been denied by a great save from Whitstable goalkeeper Lee Hook who clearly touched the ball round the post for a corner.

Both sides finished with ten men when both number sevens- Maidstone's Adrian Webster and Whitstable's Billy McCarthy - were both sent off following a flare up after 88 minutes.

Webster had a brief spell at Invicta during the 2000-01 season and also in the Maidstone line up was goalkeeper Kevin Hudson who had starred for Neil Cugley's side at the start of this season. There was also a late cameo appearance as substitute from one-time Folkestone player Terry Cordice.

It had been an open first half during which Whitstable goalkeeper Hook made two excellent tips over the crossbar to deny first Marshall and then Maidstone captain Paul Foley on the quarter of an hour mark.

But Whitstable went right up the other end and might have scored when Hudson stopped firm to deny Andy Constable.

Paul Ribbens headed a good chance wide after 22 minutes, while Whitstable were close with a free kick from the edge of the box after 33 minutes.

Hoko somehow keep Butler's shot from crossing the line when Marshall broke down the left hand side of the box after 54 minutes.

Whitstable substitute Matt Toms had a half chance to equalise against his former club following Butler's opener, but Maidstone had further chances as Hook saved from Butler after 82 minutes and top goalscorer Sinden brought another save from Hook after 85 minutes.


Folkestone Invicta (2) 3 Tamworth (1) 3

RM Apr 27,2002 Attendance: 1277.
A day that will be talked about for years to come saw Tamworth's championship dreams shattered after an incident-packed thriller at Cheriton Road. Hundreds of visiting supporters descended took over the Folkestone Invicta ground as Tamworth descended on the town in their droves in anticipation of the three points which would have secured the Lambs the Dr Martens League Premier Division championship. But Invicta had not read the script and raced into 2-0 and 3-1 leads before finally hanging on for a share of the spoils.

After rumour and counter rumour, confirmation came through that Kettering had indeed won 2-1 at Tiverton to snatch promotion back to the Conference at the first attempt. Devastated Tamworth fans were reduced to tears on the Cheriton Road pitch, but still cheered their equally distraught players as manager Gary Mills came back onto the pitch to pledge, "we're going to bounce back".

An under-strength Invicta side had raised their game in front of a 1277 crowd - the highest ever to watch a home Invicta league game - to give the title race a final, dramatic twist. Tamworth's players arrived at Cheriton Road visibly nervous and the Lambs got off to the worst possible start as they were always chasing the game after finding themselves 2-0 down after 25 minutes.

There was drama from the start as Invicta were awarded a penalty after just three minutes when Tamworth goalkeeper Darren Acton clattered into striker James Dryden. Referee Neil Perkins decided that there was a covering defender and issued only a yellow card. James Virgo had missed a penalty at the same end in Invicta's previous home game against Ilkeston, but held his nerve to score to Acton's left after a delay while Dryden received treatment. At the other end, Tamworth's Paul Hatton surged through the middle after eight minutes, but only ended up with a yellow card for diving after going down inside the penalty area. Andy Morris sent Dryden away again after 14 minutes, but the striker could not get the ball out to the unmarked Virgo on the left. Tamworth had made a slow start, though Darren Roberts forced the game's first corner after 16 minutes.

But it was Invicta's own first corner of the game which led to the second goal after 25 minutes as Andy Larkin played the ball back out to Chandler on the right and stand-in captain Morris swept home the club's 50th league goal of the season. Things were looking desperate for Tamworth, but they were thrown a lifeline after 31 minutes when Invicta goalkeeper Dave Wietecha inexplicably dropped Nick Colley's cross from the right to allow Roberts the simple chance of making it 2-1. It was now that Tamworth began to show their worth as Virgo cleared off the line after 38 minutes following a seemingly innocuous cross from the left. Mark Hallam headed agonisingly wide after 40 minutes when Colley played the ball in after Virgo had given the ball away cheaply and Wietecha saved from Scott Rickards after good work by Roberts in the 42nd minute.

Tamworth brought on Leicester City legend Steve Walsh at half time and the Lambs signalled their intent a minute into the second half when Rickards made space for himself and sent his shot crashing against the post. Tamworth went into the game with the league's best defensive record, but normally goal-shy Invicta went 3-1 ahead after 53 minutes when top goalscorer Dryden applied a perfectly executed finish to Mark Towse's left wing cross.

Tamworth now had a mountain to climb, but again Invicta's two-goal cushion was not to last for long as Walsh headed home Rob Warner's free kick from the left following a handball decision against Morris after 55 minutes. Warner's shot then flashed across the Invicta goalmouth when he went past both Morris and Matt Bower inside the box after 67 minutes. In a further twist, Tamworth were awarded a penalty after 71 minutes for alleged holding by Andy Larkin on big Walsh. But goalkeeper Wietecha made up for his earlier error with a magnificent penalty save from Roberts.

Walsh was pushed forward as Tamworth threw everything at Neil Cugley's side. Excitement reached fever pitch after 78 minutes when Roberts headed in substitute David Foy's free kick after 78 minutes to make it 3-3. A Walsh header was cleared by Virgo following a corner after 81 minutes and Wietecha made a crucial save to keep out Hallam's 85th minute header, with Chandler clearing off the line. It was desperation time in the Invicta penalty area and Rickards was denied by Wietecha in a highly tense period of stoppage time. At the final whistle, nobody was quite certain whether a draw was enough for Tamworth or not, but their big day was to end in bitter disappointment. For the record, there were bookings for Invicta's Chandler, Andy and Dan Larkin and Lee McRobert.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo, D. Larkin, Towse, A. Larkin, Chandler, Bower, Dryden, McRobert, Henry. Unused subs D. Fisk, Yianni, S. Hogg.
TAMWORTH: Acton, Warner, Follett, Grocutt, Hatton (Walsh 45 mins), Turner, Hallam, Gould, Roberts, Rickards, Colley (Foy 73 mins). Unused sub: Mutchell.


Bath City (0) 2 Folkestone Invicta (0) 0

RM Apr 20,2002 Attendance: 799.
Folkestone Invicta slumped to their fourth successive defeat as Bath City gained a crucial victory at Twerton Park on Saturday afternoon. This was a must-win game for the relegation-threatened Romans, while Invicta went into the game with the luxury of not having to worry about the mathematics at the bottom of the table. Bath won the game with two second half goals as they looked more dangerous attacking down the slope. It was their sixth successive home win and the three points were enough to take them out of the bottom four, although they still face an anxious weekend when they travel to Worcester City at the weekend on the decisive final Saturday of the season.

The all-important first goal on Saturday came courtesy of former Gillingham and West Brom striker Adrian Foster after 56 minutes. Invicta were caught when an attack involving defenders Mark Towse and Anthony Henry broke down in midfield and Bath's Jamie Gosling found Foster who was given on-side down the right. The experienced striker cut in and planted a sweet strike into the far corner of the net, much to the delight of the under pressure home club. It was 2-0 after 79 minutes when striker Danny Cleverley converted the rebound after Foster had hit the post with a penalty. The spot kick had been awarded when Mark Badman went down in the box under a challenge from Towse.

Invicta's small squad was again fully stretched as they went into the game without Danny Chapman (groin), James Virgo (flu), Scott Daniels (neck), Andy Morris (knee) and Ricky Reina (work). Centre half Andy Larkin took over the captaincy in Chapman's absence, with youngsters Towse and Steve Hogg keeping their places at full back. Dave Wietecha was back in goal after missing the Monday night trip to Newport County and the big goalkeeper made a point blank save when Bath forced their first corner of the game after 19 minutes.

Invicta's first noteworthy chance came after 27 minutes when stand-in captain Larkin could only make minimal contact with his head from Towse's cross down the left hand side of the box. At the other end, former Watford player Jason Drysdale came across from the left to belt a free kick just over the Invicta crossbar from the edge of the penalty area after 29 minutes. Bath goalkeeper Mark Hervin touched the ball over when Martin Chandler let fly from 25 yards after 34 minutes following a move involving strikers Nicky Dent and James Dryden. Towse flicked Chandler's subsequent corner just over the crossbar.

Wietecha was called into action after 37 minutes when he saved form Foster after a rare slip by Henry and Dan Larkin made a vital block to keep out the rebound in the middle of the goalmouth. Larkin junior was booked after 45 minutes for a foul on Cleverley and from the subsequent free kick Bath captain Gary Thorne headed against the post when Danny Bailey played the ball forward. Henry joined Larkin in the referee's notebook for a challenge from behind on Foster after 47 minutes.

But Foster's goal was to get the send the vast majority of the 799 crowd into ecstasy, as well as home manager Alan Pridham who had described this as the biggest game of his career. The goal lifted Bath and Wietecha had to keep out Cleverley's header after 59 minutes in a move involving Drysdale and Gosling. Foster shot just wide on the hour after a great interchange with Gosling down the left.

Invicta created little during the second half, though Hervin kept out Dent's deflected shot after 73 minutes when Chandler dispossessed Bailey. The second goal secured Bath's win and Invicta's desperation was summed up as centre half Henry finished the game as an emergency striker. Teenager Dan Fisk was a late substitute for the disappointing Lee McRobert.

BATH CITY: Hervin, Badman, Drysdale (Redwood 75 mins, Collier 832 mins)), Thorne, Kemp, Bailey, Collins, Harvey, Foster, Cleverley, Gosling (Smart 76 mins).
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Hogg, Towse, D. Larkin, McRobert (D. Fisk 82 mins), A. Larkin, Chandler, Bower, Dryden, Dent, Henry. Unused subs: Daneils, F. Fisk.


Newport County (1) 4 Folkestone Invicta (1) 1

RM Apr 15,2002 Attendance: 526.
Mark Towse experienced the highs and lows of football on his full debut as a makeshift Folkestone Invicta side went down 4-1 away to Newport County on Monday night. The 17-year-old gave the visitors a dream start when he headed home to open the scoring after just six minutes when James Virgo touched a corner on the right back to captain Danny Chapman at the Newport Stadium. It was the first goal Invicta had scored in four attempts in Wales.

A goal from Matthew Rose brought Newport level after 33 minutes and the home side were to go ahead after 59 minutes when Towse produced an equally impressive header to his earlier effort, but this time into his own net after a very questionable obstruction decision against Virgo. Towse was not the only teenager making his debut for Invicta as 18-year-old goalkeeper Paul Egan came in for the unavailable Dave Wietecha. Egan played well as he made a couple of good saves in the opening ten minutes and it was only the fourth goal in the 90th minute which he might have kept out when the swerve on Scott Walker's 30-yard strike was to beat the young goalkeeper. Also in the starting line up, complete with headband, was the brave Steve Hogg who had received both internal and external stitches after a nasty head injury sustained in Invicta's previous trip to Wales at Merthyr Tydfil. Centre half Anthony Henry made the substitutes' bench but sat the game out with an ankle injury.

Striker Jeff Eckhardt headed wide for Newport after just two minutes and Egan must have gained confidence when he then made a good save to touch Martin Paul's header onto the crossbar. Towse's opening goal came from Invicta's first corner and Egan preserved Neil Cugley's side's lead after eight minutes when he made a great save from Walker in a lively start to the game.

The visitors might have increased their lead after 25 minutes when Lee McRobert flicked the ball over goalkeeper Pat Mountain, but Billy Clark got back to clear off the line. Egan touched a cross from the right over for a corner after 33 minutes, from which Newport were level thanks to a shot on the turn from Rose. Had Invicta maintained their lead until half time then perhaps they would have taken something from the game. Egan made another good save to deny Walker after 47 minutes at the start of the second half. Invicta had a chance after 56 minutes when Towse broke away and fed James Dryden, but his cross just eluded the in-coming McRobert in the middle. And three minutes later the visitors fell behind when Towse left his goalkeeper with no chance.

Eckhardt hit the post after 62 minutes following a cross from the left and Egan saved the rebound from Paul. Invicta's best chance to save the day fell to Dryden, but shot was saved after 72 minutes when Virgo played him in. It was 3-1 after 76 minutes when Paul raced through the middle to score after Darren Robison had dispossessed Dryden and pumped the ball forward.

Invicta lost Scott Daniels (trapped nerve) after 82 minutes and gave a first outing to 16-year-old substitute Frank Fisk. Towse might have scored again when Virgo found Matt Bower, who played the ball across from the left. But the visitors were to fall further behind when Walker's swerving shot from distance evaded Egan to complete the scoring.

There were bookings for Newport's Andrew Thomas and for Invicta's Bower, McRobert, Dryden and Chapman.

NEWPORT COUNTY: Mountain, Robison, Benton, Clark, Thomas, Fowler (Lewis 82 mins), Rose, Walker, Eckhardt, Paul (Edwards 87 mins), Cowe (James 78 mins).
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Egan, S. Hogg, Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels (F. Fisk 82 mins), A. Larkin, Bower, Chapman, Dryden, McRobert, Towse. Unused sub: Henry.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 0 Ilkeston Town (2) 2

RM Apr 13,2002 Attendance: 340.
Folkestone Invicta endured an afternoon when just about everything that could go wrong did do on Saturday afternoon as they went down 2-0 at home to Ilkeston Town. Invicta dropped into the bottom half of the table as they slumped to a fourth successive defeat at the hands of the Derbyshire club after conceding two first half goals. To make matters worse, striker Nicky Dent was sent off after 45 minutes and James Virgo had a penalty saved deep into first half stoppage time.

Invicta fell behind in controversial circumstances after 14 minutes when David Holmes was given on-side through the middle, went round goalkeeper Dave Wietecha and planted the ball into the empty net. It was hardly the way Wietecha would have wanted to mark his 150th appearance for the club.

The home side inadvertently hit the crossbar after 19 minutes when Virgo's misdirected free kick came back off the upright. But Neil Cugley's side lost centre half Anthony Henry through injury after 26 minutes, though they had a ready made replacement in Andy Larkin. Ilkeston's Glen Kirkwood was inches away from converting Steve Coates' cross from the left after 29 minutes. But it was 2-0 after 35 minutes when Ian Robinson skipped past two challenges in midfield, picked his spot and found the bottom corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area.

Invicta's top goalscorer James Dryden had a header blocked from a Virgo free kick after 37 minutes and Dent put the rebound wide. The home side's task was made even harder after 45 minutes when Dent was dismissed for catching Lenny Curtis with his elbow as he shrugged the defender away in an off-the-ball incident. Curtis' last visit to Cheriton Road had seem him score an own goal as Invicta beat Hednesford 1-0 back in September to stay top of the table.

Invicta were thrown a lifeline five minutes into first half stoppage time when referee Mick McCoy pointed to the penalty spot after a challenge by Chris Timons on Martin Chandler. But goalkeeper Stuart Ford got down to his left to save Virgo's spot kick. That goal would have given Invicta hope, but the Folkestone side had chances after the interval as Lee McRobert was unlucky when his scissor kick hit the post after 53 minutes. McRobert was close again when he lobbed just wide in the 80th minute after a through ball from substitute Mark Towse, who had replaced the injured Chandler. Andy Larkin had two stabs at reducing the deficit after 84 minutes following a free kick on the left and goalkeeper Ford kept out Matt Bower's last minute strike after McRobert had broke down the right. There were bookings for Invicta brothers Andy and Dan Larkin and for Ilkeston substitute Ryan Ford.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Bower, Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels (D. Fisk 88 mins), McRobert, Chandler (Towse 67 mins), Chapman, Dryden, Dent, Henry (A. Larkin 26 mins).
ILKESTON TOWN: S. Ford, Whitehead, Curtis, Timons (Fairbrother 67 mins), Middleton, Nwadike, Robinson, Coates, Kirkwood (Wright), Kennersdale, Holmes (R. Ford 61 mins).


Merthyr Tydfil (0) 1 Folkestone Invicta (0) 0

RM Apr 6,2002 Attendance: 409.
Folkestone Invicta went down to a late penalty from Paul Hunt away to relegation-threatened Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday afternoon in a fruitless afternoon to Wales. Hunt's spot kick settled the issue to give the Martyrs at least some hope of a great escape in the Premier Division after substitute Jamie Edwards had gone down under challenge from Dan Larkin. Invicta protested that the offence had taken place outside the penalty area, but Merthyr were given the rub of the green in a game they simply had to win.

It had hardly been a classic at Penydareen Park as Merthyr missed the majority of chances, though striker James Dryden should have equalised after 86 minutes when he missed at the far post after hesitancy from home goalkeeper Neil Thomas. Invicta went into the game without the injured Andy Morris and Nicky Dent and the unavailable Ricky Reina (work commitments).

That gave a first start to Steve Hogg at right back, but the 20-year-old's full debut came to an abrupt halt after 42 minutes when he collided with goalkeeper Dave Wietecha and had to be taken to hospital for stitches on a gash in his head. Hogg was replaced by Andy Larkin and the defender had two chances at the start of the second half. Not renowned for his goalscoring, Larkin forced a save from goalkeeper Thomas on both occasions, the second kept out by Thomas' feet when Martin Chandler put the substitute clean through after 56 minutes.

Invicta had the game's first chance after ten minutes when Dryden dragged his shot wide across goal after James Virgo had played him in. Goalkeeper Wietecha made the first of several good saves when he kept out Hunt's point blank rebound after 22 minutes when Stuart Elliott's long distance shot was stopped but not held by the big goalkeeper. Wietecha saved with his feet from Danny Haines as Merthyr forced their first corner after 32 minutes and then saved from Hunt following the set piece.

The home side were desperately close twice in as many minutes when a spectacular 30 yard strike from Haines was touched over for a corner after 39 minutes and a far post cross was put wide by Nicky Banger with home supporters already celebrating a 'goal'. There was a double let off for Invicta after 52 minutes when first centre half Anthony Henry cleared Craig Lima's header off the line and then Luke Staton's volley rebounded off the post. Wietecha touched a long range Elliott shot over for a corner after 63 minutes, while Dryden forced a saved at the other end following a Henry ball.

The game seemed to be petering out into a goalless draw until the penalty decision and Dryden's late miss. There were bookings for Merthyr's Jimmy Rollo and Gavin Beddard.

MERTHYR TYDFIL: Thomas, Clarke (Carter 61 mins), Haines, Rollo, Herrera, Lima, Harries (Beddard 67 mins), Elliott, Banger (Edwards 76 mins), Hunt, Staton.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, S. Hogg (A. Larkin 45 mins), Virgo (Towse 61 mins), D. Larkin, Daniels, McRobert, Chandler, Chapman, Dryden, Bower, Henry.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 0 Welling United (0) 0

RM Apr 1,2002 Attendance: 504.
Folkestone Invicta had to settle for their first goalless draw at Cheriton Road since the visit of Corby Town on November 20, 1999 as they played out a stalemate with Welling United in a highly charged Kent derby on Easter Monday afternoon. Welling are unbeaten at Cheriton Road for 20 years and again proved to be a resolute side who are hard to break down despite being reduced to ten men with the dismissal of Scott Lindsey after 53 minutes. Invicta themselves have become hard to beat this season but again had to be content with a point as they have often lacked the cutting edge to turn draws into victories.

Lindsey was dismissed for a second bookable offence for an aerial challenge on Matt Bower after he had initially been booked for a late tackle on Danny Chapman after 39 minutes. It had been an explosive end to the first half as Bower had been targetted by Welling supporters after an off-the-ball incident left the visitors' top goalscorer Gary Abbott poleaxed on the floor with a suspected broken cheekbone right on half time. This was not a game for the faint-hearted as Welling centre half Wayne Brown somehow escaped unpunished for kicking Scott Daniels in the face when the Invicta centre half lay on the ground after 45 minutes.

Invicta twice hit the woodwork during the first half, just as they had done in their fateful F. A. Cup tie against Welling back in October, and at the same end. Leading goalscorer James Dryden should have scored when he headed against the post after 20 minutes from Andy Morris' right wing cross. And Welling's Brown headed backwards against his own post following a long throw in from Dryden after 31 minutes. Invicta had the better of the early chances as Dryden's shot was blocked as early as the first minute when James Virgo played the ball in from the left and Morris' shot flew over from 25 yards after nine minutes.

At the other end, Invicta goalkeeper Dave Wietecha came out to save from Abbott when Curtis Johnson threaded the ball through to the ace marksman after ten minutes. The game hotted up at the end of the first half as Morris limped off to be replaced by Lee McRobert, with Daniels switching to right back in a now four-man defence. Dryden was denied by Welling goalkeeper Glen Knight when he took Martin Chandler's glorious ball in his stride after 44 minutes and Invicta had penalty appeals turned down when Nicky Dent's shot struck a Welling defender. During seven minutes of first half stoppage time, Daniels made a crucial saving goal line clearance to deny Abbott when Johnson played in a dangerous low cross from the right. Welling's Tommy Tyne was booked during the stoppage time and Welling were further incensed by Abbott's injury.

Ten-men Welling looked the more likely winners during the second half, particularly after the introduction of substitute Pete Adeniyi for Invicta old boy Anthony Hogg after 67 minutes. Wietecha made an excellent fingertip save to deny Johnson after 67 minutes, while at the other end Knight saved from Dent after 70 minutes following a McRobert ball. Tyne couldn't quite get a decisive touch when Russell Edwards met a corner after 76 minutes and centre half Edwards was himself close when he headed over an 88th minute Johnson corner. Dent might have snatched it for Invicta during injury time, but Knight got a vital touch to his attempted lob from McRobert's left wing cross.

The attendance of 504 was Invicta's highest for a league fixture at Cheriton Road so far this season and second only to their F. A, Cup 4th Qualifying Round tie at home to Welling.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris (McRobert 44 mins), Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels, Bower, Chandler, Chapman, Dryden, Dent (S. Hogg 90 mins), Henry. Unused sub: A. Larkin.
WELLING UNITED: Knight, Watts, Powell, Brown, Edwards, Lindsey, Johnson, Rutherford, Abbott (Bryant 45 mins), Tyne, A. Hogg (Adeniyi 67 mins). Unused sub: Boot.


Kettering Town (0) 2 Folkestone Invicta (1) 1

RM Mar 30,2002 Attendance: 1394.
Folkestone Invicta suffered the heartbreak of a last gasp defeat as they went down 2-1 away to championship chasing Kettering Town in front of a 1394 crowd at Rockingham Road on Easter Saturday.

Centre half Chris Perkins scored Kettering's all-important winner with an unstoppable header from an Andy Turner corner just 17 seconds before the end of the 90 minutes to keep the Poppies four points behind leaders Tamworth with six to play. Invicta had led through their own header from a corner courtesy of top goalscorer James Dryden during first half stoppage time. Kettering's leading marksman Dale Watkins equalised after 67 minutes as hard-to-beat Invicta seemed on course for another useful away draw.

Former Conference giants Kettering went into the game desperate for the points after two consecutive defeats. But Invicta held their own during the opening exchanges, with goalkeeper Dave Wietecha having to save Steve Lenagh's deflected shot after 26 minutes. There was controversy after 29 minutes when a blatant foul on Nicky Dent went unpunished on the edge of the Kettering penalty area and Lenagh curled his shot just wide at the other end as the home side broke through former Spurs player Turner and Richard Butcher. All Dent got for his protests was a booking. Wietecha came out to save from Watkins after 36 minutes when the Kettering striker latched onto Lenagh's through ball and skipped past two challenges inside the Invicta box. But it was Invicta who opened the scoring three minutes into first half stoppage time when Dryden headed home James Virgo's corner from the left for his fifth goal in the last four games.

There was a cup tie atmosphere as an increasingly desperate Kettering showed even more urgency after the interval. Invicta captain Danny Chapman and right back Matt Bower were both booked at the start of the second half and Kettering substitute Shaun Murray's free kick deflected fractionally over the Invicta crossbar after 53 minutes. The visitors nearly doubled their lead after 55 minutes when Dryden's left wing cross flew just in front of the advancing Dent after Martin Chandler had shown great skill and composure in midfield.

Kettering made a double substitution after 66 minutes with the introduction of player-manager Carl Shutt and Wayne Diuk for Darren Collins and Gary Hughes. And their last throw of the dice had an immediate impact as they were level a minute later when Watkins raced onto Diuk's through ball and slotted the ball past Wietecha.

There was a real scare for Invicta after 76 minutes when Wietecha's attempted clearance fell inexplicably straight to former Leeds striker Shutt, but the big goalkeeper redeemed himself by saving when the ball was squared to goalscorer Watkins. If Kettering do go on to regain their Conference status then Perkins' last minute header will be seen as a major turning point in the club's fortunes.

For Invicta it spoils an otherwise proud record of draws away to the Premier Division's top five clubs.

KETTERING TOWN: Pettinger, Hughes (Diuk 66 mins), Turner, Matthews, Perkins, Austin, Lenagh, Inman (Murray 45 mins), Collins (Shutt (66 mins), Watkins, Butcher.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Bower, Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels, McRobert, Chandler, Chapman, Dryden, Dent (Reina 77 mins), Henry.. Unused subs: A. Larkin, S. Hogg.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 3 Newport County (1) 1

RM Mar 23,2002 Attendance: 436.
Goals from Martin Chandler, James Dryden and Nicky Dent (penalty) gave Folkestone Invicta victory as they came from behind to beat ten-men Newport County at Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon.

The statistics make happy reading for an Invicta side who have now lost just one of their last ten Premier Division matches. Neil Cugley's side scored three goals at Cheriton Road for the first time this season and the game was played in front of a 436 crowd, Invicta's highest home league attendance since September 8th.

The game's major talking point was the dismissal of former Cardiff City player Jeff Eckhardt after 27 minutes for an off-the-ball headbutt on Invicta midfielder Chandler. The incident was spotted by a linesman whilst most people's attention was focused on the Newport goalmouth where goalkeeper Pat Mountain was turning a Dent shot round for a corner.

Newport had opened the scoring after 23 minutes when Matthew Rose picked his spot to curl the ball into the corner of the net when Chandler allowed a Michael Fowler ball to slip under his foot. Chandler was involved in all the first half's major incidents as it was the 19-year-old midfielder who equalised just a minute after Eckhardt's dismissal. Chandler burst down the right hand side of the box and his shot deflected in off Billy Clark.

Chandler did not come out for the second half as he was suffering with blurred vision after his clash with Eckhardt. Former Ashford Town team mates Dent and Lee McRobert were linking cleverly in the Invicta attack and Dent headed just wide from McRobert's right wing cross after 32 minutes. Newport enjoyed a good spell at the start of the second half, but McRobert missed a clear chance when he dinked the ball wide after 62 minutes when Matt Bower put him clean through. Goalkeeper Dave Wietecha saved with his feet to deny Steve Cowe after 69 minutes following a move involving substitute Nathan Davies and Scott Walker.

The introduction of substitute Ricky Reina for James Virgo left Invicta with four forwards and the home side went ahead after 71 minutes when Dryden got the decisive touch after Reina had gone up for McRobert's right wing cross. Goalkeeper Mountain did well to touch the ball away from McRobert when Reina broke down the left hand side of the box after 80 minutes. But it was 3-1 after 90 minutes when Dent beat Mountain from the penalty spot following a foul on Reina by Darren Robison.

There were bookings for Invicta's Scott Daniels, Bower and Dent and for Newport's Andrew Thomas and Cowe.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Bower, Virgo (Reina 63 mins), D. Larkin, Daniels, A. Larkin, Chandler (S. Hogg 45 mins), Chapman, Dryden, Dent, McRobert (D. Fisk 87 mins).
NEWPORT COUNTY: Mountain, Robison, Benton, Clark, Thomas, Fowler (Davies 54 mins), Rose, Walker, Eckhardt, Paul, Cowe. Unused subs: Ryan, Jones.



Folkestone Invicta (0) 1 Margate (1) 2

RM Mar 19,2002 Attendance: 314.
Folkestone Invicta went out of the BOSE Kent Senior Cup when they conceded a late goal amidst slightly absurd circumstances at a wet Cheriton Road in Tuesday night's quarter final.

Margate were awarded an 85th minute free kick for a back pass when the ball was flicked back towards Invicta goalkeeper Dave Wietecha who picked it up. The Conference club's initial shot was blocked amidst a host of bodies inside the Invicta penalty area, but centre half Lee Williams followed up to settle the issue. Such back pass decisions are always likely to be contentious, but referee Plummer from Rochester had given Invicta a forewarning of what was to come when he made a similar decision within a minute of the second half.

Margate had opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute through Akope Sodje, but Invicta drew level after 70 minutes courtesy of a classic strike from James Dryden. Amidst foggy conditions, Invicta were slow off the blocks and Margate took an early lead when Sodje pounced after a Scott Daniels tackle on Steve Hafner. Invicta's equaliser was the goal of the match as Dryden followed up his brace at Hinckley on Saturday with a stunning low shot after Lee McRobert had found James Virgo on the left flank.

The home side had Anthony Henry back from an ankle injury and the centre half cleared off the line after 35 minutes when Sodje latched onto a back pass and went round Wietecha. Invicta goalkeeper Wietecha made an excellent save right on half time when he touched Terry McFlynn's free kick onto the crossbar.

The home side played well during the second half, but Margate do not give much away and it took something special from Dryden to produce an equaliser. Henry had to block for a corner to deny Gareth Graham after 58 minutes, but the equaliser gave Invicta impetus and Margate goalkeeper Lee Turner made a crucial save to deny Martin Chandler when the midfielder burst through the middle after 78 minutes. Goalscorer Dryden shot over when he burst through in the 87th minute with Invicta's last throw of the dice.

There were bookings for Invicta's Andy Morris, Danny Chapman and Chandler and for Margate's Graham and Bill Edwards.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris (S. Hogg 86 mins), Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels, McRobert, Chandler, Chapman, Dryden, Dent, Henry. Unused subs: Reina, A. Larkin, Towse.
MARGATE: Turner, Azzopardi, Lamb, Edwards, O'Connell (Hammond 24 mins), Williams, Graham, Munday, Hafner, Sodje, McFlynn. Unused subs: Takalobigashi, Perry.


Hinckley United (0) 1 Folkestone Invicta (0) 2

RM Mar 16,2002 Attendance: 320.
Two goals in the last three minutes from leading goalscorer James Dryden gave Folkestone Invicta all three points in a remarkable smash and grab turnaround at Hinckley on Saturday afternoon. Invicta had trailed to a controversial penalty converted by Jamie Lenton after 70 minutes. But Dryden held his nerve to equalise after 87 minutes to end his goal drought after substitute Nicky Dent had put him through one on one against Azerbaidzhan Under 21 international goalkeeper Farhad Afandiyev. It was Dryden's first league goal since November 27th, but the 22-year-old striker did not have to wait long for his next one. With Invicta seemingly on course for yet another 1-1 away draw, Dryden pounced again to net an injury time winner when centre half Scott Daniels nodded down a James Virgo cross. Virgo had initially forced a corner with an injury time free kick which was touched over by Afandiyev following a foul on Matt Bower on the edge of the penalty area.

Hinckley appealed for offside on both of Dryden's goals, but they had the linesman at the other end to thank for their penalty when Neil Cartwright's header hit Virgo on the hand from Lenton's cross.The strength of the home side's appeals suggested that they had a strong case, but the referee initially awarded a corner before eventually pointing to the spot after lengthy consultations with his assistant. Invicta had survived two penalties at Weymouth the previous Saturday, but this time Lenton sent Dave Wietecha the wrong way with a well-taken spot kick to open the scoring.

Lee McRobert and Dent both had half chances as Invicta chased an equaliser at Middlefield Lane. And it didn't look like being the visitors' day when huge centre half Andy Penny got across to make a saving tackle after 76 minutes when McRobert had gone goalkeeper Afandiyev. McRobert had capitalised on a weak back pass from Lenton after a crossfield ball from substitute Martin Chandler. Invicta had come the closest to scoring during the first half when Penny cleared off the line from Dryden after 19 minutes.

Neil Cugley's side had Wietecha back in goal and centre half Andy Larkin fit again to partner Daniels and younger brother Dan at the heart of the defence. Missing a league game for the first time was centre half Anthony Henry (ankle injury). The first half had been no classic. But there were chances at both ends after ten minutes as McRobert seemed as surprised as anybody when Afandiyev's attempted clearance fell to him in the box and Hinckley's Scott Huckerby didn't make the most of his chance. Wietecha made a great save after 20 minutes to deny Paul Hunter when the Invicta defence was left exposed. Dryden shot over when striking partner Ricky Reina used his strength to put him through after 39 minutes and Wietecha saved Huckerby's deflected shot when Cartwright broke after 45 minutes. Wietecha was called into action again when he saved from Hinckley captain Morton Titterton in a move involving Hunter and Jamie Williams after 52 minutes.

Invicta's Chandler was the game's only booking for an 83rd minute challenge on Hinckley substitute Leon Blake.

HINCKLEY UNITED: Afandiyev, Cartwright (Blake 71 mins), Lenton, Hadland (O'Toole 65 mins), Penny, Eustace, Storer, Titterton, Hunter, Huckerby (Lucas 77 mins), Williams.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels, A. Larkin (Chandler 74 mins), Bower, Chapman, Dryden, Reina (Dent 60 mins), McRobert. Unused sub: S. Hogg.


Weymouth (1) 1 Folkestone Invicta (1) 1

RM Mar 9,2002 Attendance: 702.
Debutant goalkeeper Chuck Martini saved two penalties as Folkestone Invicta recorded their fifth 1-1 draw in their last six away matches despite playing virtually the whole match at Weymouth with ten men as centre half Anthony Henry was sent off after just five minutes.

Former King's Lynn goalkeeper Martini stepped in to replace Dave Wietecha (back injury) after recently returning from Mali where he was in the Morocco squad for the African Nations Cup. And the international goalkeeper could not have asked for a livelier start as he made himself an instant Invicta legend in what could be his only appearance for the club. Amidst windy conditions, Weymouth were awarded their first penalty within five minutes when last man Henry pulled down Martin Underhay after the striker had been put through. But Martini got down to his right to save Simon Browne's penalty.

In a torrid start for Invicta, the home side opened the scoring after nine minutes when Kevin Parker drilled home a low shot from Michael Dean's right wing cross. Ian Hutchinson fired over after 17 minutes following a neat interchange with Parker down the left. But Invicta were level after 25 minutes with a penalty of their own when James Virgo beat Paul Payne from the spot after Alex Browne impeded James Dryden on the goal line as he closed in on a Ricky Reina header from Lee McRobert's right wing cross. The third penalty of the first half came during stoppage time when Mark Robinson went down under challenge from Martin Chandler. Browne stepped forward again, but Martini this time saved to his left.

The second half was never likely to match the action of the first, but striker Darran Rowbotham shot against the Invicta post after 51 minutes from Mark Rawlinson's cross. Invicta went three at the back after the interval as Virgo moved across to the right, Dan Larkin to the left and Matt Bower pushed forward from right back into midfield. At the heart of the defence, Scott Daniels wore a protective band following his cut head sustained in Tuesday night's friendly win over Dover Athletic. Underhay missed a great chance for the Terras when he fired over from Rowbotham's left wing cross after 58 minutes. Hutchinson and Dean both had shots flash past the Invicta post as the home side chased a winner.

Invicta brought on Nicky Dent for Ricky Reina after 70 minute and the substitute nearly scored with his first touch from Dryden's left wing cross. But there was a let off for Invicta after 87 minutes when Dean's free kick hit the crossbar after a foul by substitute Steve Hogg.

Weymouth's Dean (24) and Robinson (26) were both celebrating their birthday on Saturday, but there was little cheer for the home side who have recently been forced to part with most of their best players due to a financial crisis. There were bookings for Weymouth's Rowbotham and for Invicta's Chandler, Dent and Daniels. Invicta right back Andy Morris missed the game through suspension.

WEYMOUTH: Payne, Rawlinson, S. Browne, A. Browne, Waldock, Parker (Walker 83 mins), Robinson, Hutchinson, Rowbotham, Underhay (Bews 67 mins), Dean. Unused sub: Newland.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Martini, Bower, Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels, McRobert (S. Hogg 67 mins), Chandler, Chapman, Dryden, Reina (Dent 70 mins), Henry. Unused sub: Towse.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 3 Dover (0) 0

RM Mar 5,2002 Attendance: .
Folkestone Invicta won 3-0 in Tuesday night's friendly against Dover Athletic at Cheriton Road thanks to goals from James Dryden (2) and Anthony Henry. Striker Dryden opened the scoring after 25 minutes with a brilliant curling shot past goalkeeper Paul Hyde from just outside the penalty area. Centre half Henry made it 2-0 after 51 minutes following a run and cross from Lee McRobert after substitute Nicky Dent had played the ball out to the right flank. And Dryden completed the scoring in the last minute when he dispossessed a defender and smashed the ball inside the near post.

Invicta centre half Andy Larkin had a run out for the final half hour after his recent injury problems and goalkeeper Paul Egan replaced Dave Wietecha for the last 15 minutes. Egan is the son of former Folkestone goalkeeper and assistant manager Cliff, who is now on the commercial staff at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Invicta had gone close after 18 minutes when a James Virgo shot flashed past the post, while Dover enjoyed their best spell of the game just before half time.

Dent replaced Ricky Reina at half time and had a shot turned round the post after 50 minutes, a minute before he started the move for Invicta's second goal. Wietecha made a great save after 58 minutes before both sides started to make several substitutions as is the custom in games such as this.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha (Egan 75 mins), Morris (S. Hogg 69 mins), Virgo, D. Larkin (Towse 61 mins), Daniels (A. Larkin 59 mins), Bower, Chandler, McRobert, Dryden, Reina (Dent 45 mins), Henry.


Hednesford (1) 3 Folkestone Invicta (0) 1

RM Mar 2,2002 Attendance: 530.
Folkestone Invicta's six-match unbeaten run came to an end when they were beaten 3-1 away to Hednesford Town in front of a 530 crowd at Keys Park. The Pitmen were in great need of the points in their attempt to pull away from the relegation zone and the former Conference club gained control by going 2-0 up just before the hour mark. Striker Nicky Dent pulled a goal back with another special goal before Hednesford sealed the points with a third goal.

Invicta had centre half Scott Daniels back in the starting line up and had the game's first real chance when top goalscorer James Dryden's lob was dealt with by goalkeeper Mark Gayle. Striker Neil Davis shot over for Hednesford from outside the penalty area after 17 minutes and Derek Rae shot wide when giant former Birmingham City striker Keith Francis nodded on Stuart Lake's long throw. A recent addition to the Hednesford squad, Rae is the younger brother of Wolves striker Alex.

Invicta had the ball in the net after 38 minutes when Dent headed in the rebound after goalkeeper Gayle had touched a Matt Bower shot onto the crossbar, but Dent was adjudged to have been offside when the midfielder let fly. And Hednesford opened the scoring two minutes later when influential ex Walsall midfielder Lake headed in a Stewart Airdrie cross as Francis' height continued to cause problems in the Invicta defence.

Midfielder Martin Chandler was making his 50th starting appearance for Invicta, but was replaced at half time by substitute Lee McRobert. Goalkeeper Dave Wietecha saved at close range from Davis after the interval following a surging run from goalscorer Lake. Captain Danny Chapman shot wide from the edge of the area, but Invicta fell 2-0 down after 58 minutes when former Wycombe Wanderers marksman Davis slotted the ball home after a mix up in the Invicta defence. Dent replied after 65 minutes when he unleashed another memorable goal with an unstoppable shot on the turn after Gayle had punched a corner back outside the penalty area. It was the third consecutive Saturday in which Dent had scored and came just a week after his 45-yard stunner at home to Stafford Rangers. But Invicta's hopes of saving the day were dashed just three minutes later when Airdrie headed home a Lee Barrow free kick to make it 3-1.

There were bookings for Invicta's Daniels and Bower.

HEDNESFORD TOWN: Gayle, Lake, Lucas, Haran, Williams, Barrow, Simpson, Rae, Davis, Francis, Airdrie. Subs: Ajetunnobi, Brownrigg, Thomas.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels, Bower, Chandler (McRobert 45 mins), Chapman, Dryden, Dent (Reina), Henry. Unused sub: S. Hogg.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 2 Stafford Rangers (0) 1

RM Feb 23,2002 Attendance: 339.
A wonder goal from striker Nicky Dent was the highlight of Folkestone Invicta's 2-1 win over Stafford Rangers at Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon. Dent took full advantage of the wind-assisted conditions to send his shot on the turn sailing over goalkeeper Ryan Price from fully 45 yards. The 34-year-old striker has scored many memorable goals during an illustrious career, including one from the half way line for Dover Athletic, and this one was up there with the best of them as he let fly from inside the Stafford centre circle.

It was 2-0 on Saturday as centre half Anthony Henry scored from close range after 53 minutes when James Dryden headed on a James Virgo free kick. Stafford pulled a goal back in the 64th minute when a Craig Lovatt shot crept under goalkeeper Dave Wietecha.

The game was played amidst a mixture of rain, wind, sleet, snow and hail. But Invicta's win enabled them to complete their first league double of the season and at the same time set a new club record of six consecutive unbeaten games in the Premier Division. Neil Cugley's side had to re-adjust as centre half Scott Daniels was missing with a virus. Andy Morris moved across to the heart of the defence, with Matt Bower coming in at right back on his return from suspension. Bower got in an early block to deny Darren Simkin after just six minutes, while Lee McRobert got in a few early shots for Invicta. Stafford's Paul Kiely did not make enough contact at the far post when home goalkeeper Dave Wietecha lost a cross after 33 minutes. But Wietecha made a great save after 36 minutes when Kiely's left wing cross deflected off Invicta captain Danny Chapman.

Stafford pushed for an equaliser during the final half hour as Leigh Everitt shot wide after 66 minutes. Goalscorer Lovatt had a good chance to equalise after 72 minutes when he slid the ball against the post following a Kiely through ball and Martin Chandler was able to clear. Invicta threatened to increase their lead after 85 minutes when Dryden burst away from the entire Stafford defence after Bower had won the ball and sent him away, but the striker was denied by goalkeeper Price. But Kiely missed a great chance to equalise during injury time when he blasted over following a defensive mix up between Virgo and Henry.

There were bookings for Invicta's Morris and for Stafford's Lovatt and Simkin.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo, D. Larkin, Bower, McRobert (S. Hogg 45 mins), Chandler, Chapman, Dryden, Dent (Reina 75 mins), Henry. Unused sub: D. Fisk.
STAFFORD RANGERS: Price, Everitt, Reed (Boughey 28 mins), Ryder, Brindley, Simkin, Wray, Lovatt, Eccleston, Kiely, Wilkes (O' Connor 80 mins). Unused sub: Harris.


Crawley (0) 1 Folkestone Invicta (1) 1

RM Feb 19,2002 Attendance: 856.
Folkestone Invicta stretched their unbeaten run to five matches with another notable point away to championship chasing Crawley Town in front of a 856 crowd on Tuesday night.

Invicta have a habit of taking points off the top teams and followed up Saturday's draw at leaders Tamworth with another well-earned point. Neil Cugley's side have now drawn four of their last five games 1-1 as they again proved difficult to beat at a wet and windy Broadfield Stadium. Invicta had gone ahead after 43 minutes thanks to a superb strike from 19-year-old midfielder Martin Chandler. That was after goalkeeper Dave Wietecha had saved a penalty from Ian Payne after 36 minutes. But Crawley equalised after 55 minutes when Jimmy Dack's shot deflected off Anthony Henry through a crowd of players.

The opening half hour had seen little by way of scoring chances and was noteworthy only for early injuries to Crawley's Younes Nabil and Keith Sharman, the latter leaving the field with a head injury for several minutes. The tricky Nabil was making his home debut on loan from St Albans and his often confrontational duel with Invicta right back Andy Morris was one of the game's main sub-plots. Crawley were awarded a penalty when Nabil went down under a Morris challenge, but big goalkeeper Wietecha came to his side's rescue by getting down to his left and saving Payne's spot kick. But it was Invicta who opened the scoring against the run of play when Chandler let fly from outside the area into the top right hand corner.

Crawley came out for the second half full of purpose as Wietecha came out to save from Rob Collins in the 47th minute and centre half Scott Daniels was hurt making a brave challenge to block the rebound. Morris was booked after 50 minutes when referee Wooldridge's patience finally ran out after another challenge on Nabil. Dack's equaliser left Crawley plenty of time to chase a winner and Wietecha turned Ben Judge's shot round the post for a corner when Nabil laid the ball across to the edge of the area after 63 minutes. Striker Warren Bagnall headed just wide after 65 minutes and Wietecha somehow scooped the ball out at the far post to deny Dack a second goal after 73 minutes.

But Invicta missed the best chance of winning the game when Crawley goalkeeper Andy Little saved Nicky Dent's rebound in the 80th minute after letting James Dryden's cross-shot slip from his hands. Captain Danny Chapman was again outstanding for Invicta when Lee McRobert tee-d him up after 81 minutes following a great ball from goalscorer Chandler out to the right. And there were half chances for both Dryden and substitute Ricky Reina in the closing minutes. Crawley's Judge was booked for a lunge at McRobert after 66 minutes.

CRAWLEY TOWN: Little, Holmes, Payne, Sharman, Doherty, Judge, Nabil, Anderson (Harlow 56 mins), Bagnall, Collins (Waugh 632 mins), Dack (Sargent 80 mins).
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels, McRobert (Towse 88 mins), Chandler, Chapman, Dryden, Dent (Reina 80 mins), Henry. Unused sub: S. Hogg.


Tamworth (1) 1 Folkestone Invicta (0) 1

RM Feb 16,2002 Attendance: 955.
Folkestone Invicta came back with a highly creditable point from league leaders Tamworth on Saturday afternoon in front of an expectant 955 crowd at the Lamb Ground. Striker Nicky Dent scored Invicta's equaliser in the 54th minute after Darren Roberts had given Tamworth the lead after eight minutes.

The statistics were against Neil Cugley's side going into the game as Tamworth topped the table and boasted the only unbeaten home record in the Dr Martens League. The Lambs had the best defensive record in the Premier Division and were the second highest goalscorers. The first half followed the above script as the home side had all the chances. But they did not make the most of their ascendancy and attacking down the slope and ultimately paid the price for not putting the game beyond Invicta's reach during that opening period.

It was a different story after the interval as Invicta gave a much better account of themselves and could even have won the game. Striker Roberts gave Tamworth their early lead when David Foy played the ball across from right to left and Roberts wrong-footed centre half Scott Daniels before drilling a low shot into the net. Roberts was close again after 13 minutes when his shot was deflected for a corner after the ball was played to him down the right hand channel. Invicta offered little as an attacking threat during the first half and lost Lee McRobert with a knee injury after 31 minutes which gave a chance to third striker John Ayling. Lee Wilson failed to connect when Roberts was given on-side down the left and crossed into the middle for Tamworth.

It look Invicta only five minutes to threaten after the re-start as James Virgo chipped over when James Dryden played the ball to him. And three minutes later the scores were level as captain Danny Chapman played the ball forward, Dryden won possession and his shot across goal was parried by goalkeeper Darren Acton into the path of Dent who tapped the rebound home. It was the striker' first goal since November but takes him clear as Invicta's top Premier Division goalscorer so far this season.

The visitors were almost ahead just three minutes later when Dryden went round goalkeeper Acton after a great ball over the home defence from Anthony Henry, only for defender Mark Turner to somehow get back and clear off the line. Wilson shot over for Tamworth when Rob Warner's throw in from the right fell to him inside the box after 61 minutes. And there was a real scare for Invicta after 66 minutes when substitute Scott Rickards lobbed the stranded Dave Wietecha, but the ball hit the top of the crossbar and ended up on the roof of the net. But Invicta threatened to turn the game around again after 70 minutes when Ayling shot just wide of the far post after exchanging passes with Dryden. Ayling was then denied by goalkeeper Acton when the Tamworth defence failed to clear after 77 minutes.

The home side had chances to win it themselves as Invicta substitute Steve Hogg made a heroic goal line clearance from Rickards after 80 minutes when Turner went through and the ball bobbled ominously inside the Invicta box. And Wietecha came to Invicta's rescue after 83 minutes with a brilliant save to keep out a header from substitute Mark Hallam.

TAMWORTH: Acton, Warner, Mutchell, Mills, Hatton, Turner, Foy, Hemmings (Hallam 63 mins), Roberts, McHugh (Follett 79 mins), Wilson (Rickards 63 mins).
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris (S. Hogg 62 mins), Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels, McRobert (Ayling 31 mins), Chandler, Chapman, Dryden, Dent, Henry. Unused sub: Towse.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 1 Bath City (1) 1

RM Feb 09, 2002 Attendance: 341.
Folkestone Invicta had to settle for a point on a heavy pitch at Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon against relegation threatened Bath City.

The home side opened the scoring after 22 minutes when Bath centre half Gary Thorne touched the ball fractionally over his own goal line after Andy Morris had flicked on a James Virgo corner. The corner had come about after Lee McRobert had surged through the middle and forced a save from goalkeeper Roy Johnson. But Bath were level after 41 minutes when Invicta's habit of conceding just before half time again reared its ugly head. It was big striker Paul Milsom who made it 1-1 with an exquisite chip into the top corner after receiving the ball from Jamie Gosling when a McRobert pass did not reach its intended target, James Virgo.

Scott Daniels headed wide at the far post from fellow centre half Anthony Henry's right wing cross after 48 minutes and substitute Nicky Dent saw his shot blocked after 68 minutes when right back Morris played the ball back to him. But spurred on by the arrival of former West Brom and Gillingham striker Adrian Foster, it was the visitors who looked the more likely winners. Foster almost made an immediate impact when his cross from the left just needed a touch in the middle after 71 minutes. Bath were close again two minutes later when Jason Drysdale shot into the side netting when Thorne's ball fell to him at the far post. And goalkeeper Dave Wietecha came to Invicta's rescue after 75 minutes when a stray back pass from McRobert put substitute Foster clean through.

All the chances were coming at the wrong end as far as Invicta were concerned as Wietecha tipped over from goalscorer Milsom following a one-two with Andy Williams after 79 minutes. And Iain Harvey eventually shot wide when Bath were awarded a controversial free kick for a back pass close to the Invicta goal line after 81 minutes. Wietecha had earlier got down to keep out a Milsom header after 16 minutes and Thorne did not make the most of his chance when Harvey's ball fell to him in the box after 25 minutes.

There were bookings for Invicta's Henry and for Bath's Colin Towler, Milsom, substitute Brad Thomas and Rob Cook.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo (Reina 70 mins), D. Larkin, Daniels, Chandler, McRobert, Chapman, Dryden, Flemming (Dent 45 mins), Henry. Unused sub: S. Hogg.
BATH CITY: Johnson, Kemp, Drysdale, Thorne, Towler, Harvey, Gosling (Fosyter 70 mins), Williams, Cook, Milsom, Collier (Thomas 45 mins). Unused sub: Badman.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 1 Merthyr Tydfil (0) 0

RM Feb 02, 2002 Attendance: 367.
A 40th minute strike from Lee McRobert was enough to give Folkestone Invicta a much-needed win in a tight affair against Merthyr Tydfil at Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon.

Recent signing McRobert opened his account for the club with a tremendous strike when a long throw in from James Dryden fell to him on the edge of the penalty area. The 29-year-old has proved to be a prolific marksman in a career which has seen spells with Ashford Town, Sittingbourne, Millwall, Dover Athletic and Hastings Town and he has already made himself a popular acquisition in just three appearances for Invicta. McRobert's goal was Invicta's only real chance in a low key first half.

The home side's preparations were altered when new striker Dave Flemming had to pull out after members of his close family were involved in a serious car accident on Friday. That meant a place in the starting line up after injury for inspirational striker Ricky Reina for the first time since Invicta's F. A. Cup 4th Qualifying Round defeat at Welling back in October. And the home side lost the services of right back Andy Morris who limped off with an ankle injury after 27 minutes to be replaced by Steve Hogg.

Merthyr came to Cheriton Road desperate for points in their bid to avoid relegation, but the Welsh side missed their chances as Mark Dodds shot wide when fellow striker Andy Mainwaring broke down the left and pulled the ball back after 24 minutes. Jimmy Rollo missed the visitors' best chance when he put the ball over from close range after 35 minutes when Luke Staton played it in from the left. Another Rollo shot flew wide after 47 minutes when Mainwaring played the ball in from the left and Mainwaring chipped over when he charged down Scott Daniels' attempted clearance after 53 minutes.

The home side could have increased their lead on the hour when top goalscorer Dryden shot against the post after Matt Bower broke down the left. Invicta goalkeeper Dave Wietecha then saved Mainwaring's shot on the turn after 64 minutes. But the late chances fell to Invicta as McRobert shot wide after 80 minutes and pulled the ball back for McRobert to shoot wide and Reina headed wide at the near post after 84 minutes from substitute Hogg's right wing cross after a move also involving goalscorer McRobert and captain Danny Chapman.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris (S. Hogg 27 mins), Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels, Bower, McRobert, Chapman, Dryden, Reina, Henry. Unused subs: Yianni, Ayling.
MERTHYR TYDFIL: Thomas, Clarke, Herrera, Rollo, Lima, Haveron, Staton (Savage 76 mins), Needs, Dodds, Mainwaring, Hedges (Hapgood 90 mins). Unused sub: Elliott.


Worcester City (1) 1 Folkestone Invicta (1) 1

For another unbiased view why not read the Worcester City FC Website Match Report .

RM Jan 26, 2002 Attendance: 1033
Folkestone Invicta came back with a creditable point from Saturday's trip to Worcester in one of the few Dr Martens League Premier Division games to beat the weather. Neil Cugley's side opened the scoring through Matt Bower after 31 minutes, but captain Carl Heeley equalised for Worcester two minutes before half time in front of a 1,033 crowd.

Worcester had gone into the game on the back of four straight wins and as the division's leading goalscorers. And though the home side enjoyed the greater possession, Invicta had the better chances and could have taken all three points at St George's Lane as strikers James Dryden and Dave Flemming both had good opportunities to settle the issue. Both sides finished the game with ten men as Invicta goalscorer Bower and Worcester Darren Bullock were both sent off after an 84th minute set to.

Invicta went into the game with a 5-3-2 formation as teenage defender Dan Larkin came in for Martin Chandler. Worcester enjoyed their best spell of the game in the opening quarter of an hour as Invicta goalkeeper Dave Wietecha kept out Nathan Jukes' shot from distance after six minutes. Wietecha was called into action again after nine minutes when he made a good save from Stewart Hadley at the far post after Bullock had spread the play to the right and recent big money signing Adam Webster then glanced his header just wide of the post.

Invicta's first real chance came after ten minutes when the ball broke for Flemming in the box, but his shot went over. Jukes mis-cued his shot wide after playing a one-two with Leon Jackson down the left after 11 minutes and Worcester should have scored when Marc Burrow missed a sitter at the far post after Martin Weir headed a corner wide after 15 minutes. But it was Invicta who went ahead after 31 minutes when Andy Morris played the ball down the right flank for Flemming to cross and midfielder Bower to open his account for the club with a diving header in the middle.

It should have been 2-0 two minutes later when Flemming put Dryden through, but the 21-year-old striker's lob went over the crossbar. The always eager Dryden needs a goal as the club's leading goalscorer has now not scored in the league since November. Flemming hit a low shot at goalkeeper Danny McDonnell after 42 minutes in a move involving Morris and Dryden. But Invicta's lead was not to last until half time as Bullock's free kick from 25 yards after 43 minutes was saved by Wietecha but rather than going round the post for a corner came back out for Heeley to equalise.

WORCESTER CITY: McDonnell, Davies, Jukes, Heeley, Weir, Burrow, McFarlane (Shepherd 87 mins), Hadley, Webster, Bullock, Jackson (Ellis 66 mins). Unused sub: Wyatt.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo, D. Larkin, Daniels, Bower, McRobert, Chapman, Dryden, Flemming, Henry. Unused subs: Chandler, Ayling, Towse.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 1 Weymouth (2) 3

RM Jan 19, 2002 Attendance: 424.
Folkestone Invicta suffered a second successive home defeat when they were shot down by a hat-trick from Weymouth striker Lee Phillips at Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon.

Invicta paraded new signings Dave Flemming (from Welling United) and Lee McRobert (from Ashford Town), but it was 21-year-old former Plymouth striker Phillips who took the plaudits. Goals decide matches and it was the quality of finishing from Phillips which settled the issue. For Invicta, most of Flemming's best work came out wide, while McRobert showed what a class act he is with a typically inventive display just behind the front two.

Invicta had the game's first chance when McRobert threaded the ball through to striker James Dryden after three minutes, but Weymouth goalkeeper Danny Potter palmed the subsequent shot away for a corner. Weymouth responded by opening the scoring after seven minutes when a crossfield ball fell to Phillips on the left and he shot across goal with Dave Wietecha left stranded. McRobert poked the ball wide from close range after 12 minutes when Martin Chandler dinked the ball in to him after Flemming had played the ball in from the left flank to the far post.

In an open first half, Invicta right back Andy Morris had to play the ball out for a corner when Phillips sent in a dangerous cross after 14 minutes. Invicta were level after 17 minutes courtesy of a left-footed shot from centre half Scott Daniels when Flemming's shot came back off Dryden after McRobert had played the ball in from the left. Any hopes Invicta had of building on that goal were dashed just three minutes later when Phillips latched onto a Mark Robinson through ball, went round Wietecha and planted the ball into the empty net to restore the visitors' lead. Potter touched a Matt Bower shot round the post for a corner after 23 minutes and then held McRobert's subsequent low shot from the edge of the area. But Weymouth had regained the initiative and Daniels headed off the line to keep out a far post header from David Laws, the Premier Division's leading goalscorer so far this season. Darran Rowbotham fired wide at the far post after 32 minutes from Phillips' right wing cross in a move started by Ian Hutchinson and Hutchinson himself ms-cued his shot wide two minutes later after a one-two with Laws.

There were fewer chances after the interval, but Phillips completed his hat-trick on the hour with another well-taken goal when given on-side to a Laws through ball. Both sides went close after 72 minutes when a Dryden volley was blocked after a good run and cross from McRobert down the left, while Robinson almost increased the Terras' lead at the other end. To compound Invicta's misery, they had midfielder Chandler sent off after 77 minutes for a second bookable challenge on Hutchinson. Chandler had initially been booked for a foul on the same player after 42 minutes.

Dryden was close with a far post header from a Morris cross after 83 minutes in a move started by captain Danny Chapman. But there was to be no way back for the home side. In addition to Chandler's dismissal, there were bookings for Invicta's Morris and Bower and for Weymouth's John Waldock and Rowbotham.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo, Chandler, Daniels, Bower, McRobert, Chapman, Dryden, Flemming (Ayling 81 mins), Henry. Unused subs: Towse, D. Larkin.
WEYMOUTH: Potter, Rawlinson, Hale, Browne, Waldock, Dean, Robinson, Hutchinson, Rowbotham, Laws, Phillips. Unused sub: Mason, Bews, Underhay.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 1 King's Lynn (1) 2

RM Jan 05, 2002 Attendance: 382.
Folkestone Invicta suffered a disappointing afternoon on Saturday when they went down to ten-men King's Lynn despite taking an early lead at Cheriton Road. Invicta were ahead as early as the 2nd minute when centre half Anthony Henry opened his account for the club after goalkepeer Steve Wilson had touched a James Virgo shot onto the post following a right wing cross from Andy Morris.

But this was to be the best King's Lynn performance in five meetings against Invicta and the Linnets soon got back into the game as Danny Bloomfield was denied first by a goal line clearance and then by goalkeeper Dave Wietecha after five minutes. Had Invicta been awarded a penalty when King's Lynn goalkeeper Wilson appeared to grab Anthony Hogg's leg after 13 minutes then the afternoon might have panned out differently. Instead the visitors were themselves awarded a penalty when referee Mark John from Croydon consulted a linesman who had seen a push in the box after 17 minutes. But goalkeeper Wietecha got across to his left to make an excellent save from Adie Hayes' spot kick and keep Invicta ahead.

Strikers Matty Clements and Bloomfield are currently on loan at King's Lynn from Cambridge United and Norwich City respectively and the two strikers combined well with former Welling man Zeke Rowe in a three-pronged attack to put Invicta under considerable first half pressure. Clements was close after both 20 and 23 minutes after being supplied by Rowe.Virgo shot wide from outside the penalty area for Invicta after 41 minutes. But King's Lynn were to equalise deep into first half stoppage time when a corner from the left was nodded on by Rowe for Bloomfield to score his seventh goal in the past eight matches.

The visitors were reduced to ten men after 54 minutes when Clements was dismissed for comments made to a linesman after disputing a goal kick decision. Invicta nearly went ahead on the hour when Virgo and Martin Chandler combined to put James Dryden through. The young striker was caught by Wilson as he went round the goalkeeper, but stayed on his feet, only for defender Jamie March to clear off the line.

King's Lynn went ahead after 65 minutes when defender Simon Dakin headed in a Hayes cross from the right. Invicta never made their numerical advantage count and could have fallen further behind after 76 minutes when Bloomfield drilled a good chance wide following a break from Rowe. In the absence of the suspended Danny G. Chapman, Invicta's Morris was captain for the day on his 150th starting appearance for the club. The game also marked midfielder Hogg's 50th start for Invicta.

FOLKESTONE INVCTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo, A. Larkin, D. Larkin, Hogg (Ayling 66 mins), Chandler (Azzopardi 85 mins), Bower, Dryden, Dent, Henry. Unused sub: Daniels.
KING'S LYNN: Wilson, Dakin, March, Minett, Fuff, White, Anderson, Hayes, Bloomfield (Hudson 90 mins), Clements, Rowe. Unused subs: Evans, Suitra.


Newport (IoW) (0) 1 Folkestone Invicta (0) 1

RM Dec 29, 2001 Attendance: 345.
Ten-men Folkestone Invicta had to settle for a point from their end of year trip to the Isle of Wight as Newport equalised five minutes from time to salvage a point. Invicta had taken the lead after 63 minutes when captain Danny G. Chapman opened his account for the club. And that was despite the visitors being reduced to ten men after 39 minutes when lone striker Nicky Dent was sent off for kicking out in retaliation at defender Adam Holbrook after being fouled from behind. Hardly the present Dent would have wanted for his 34th birthday the next day. Holbrook was booked for his part in the incident and was to come back and haunt Invicta with the late equaliser.

Already without absent striker James Dryden, Invicta really had to dig in after Dent's dismissal and the final corner count of 16-0 in Newport's favour highlights that this was essentially a rearguard action from the Folkestone side. But Invicta defended resolutely during the second half as Newport increasingly ran out of attacking ideas. In the end Invicta will have been slightly disappointed not to have taken all three points after Chapman shrugged off the challenge of his opposing captain John Price and went round goalkeeper Colin Matthews to slot the ball home in the mud after Matt Bower had battled away in midfield to send him through. It was something of a collectors' item as it was Chapman's first goal in Invicta colours and his first for five seasons.

That goal looked like being enough to settle the issue, but Holbrook saved the day for the islanders when he slammed home the rebound after Dave Wietecha had made a great save to deny Gary Green after a Dave Wakefield free kick had hit the wall after the ball had struck an Invicta hand on the edge of the area. Centre half Anthony Henry made one last saving block during injury time as Invicta were now grateful to hang on for a point. The visitors had started brightly as Henry headed wide from a James Virgo free kick after just two minutes.

Newport dominated the second half and young Dan Larkin made a vital interception when goalkeeper Matthews' big clearance carried all the way to centre forward Danny Gibbons in the box after six minutes. A stretching Wietecha touched Green's cross-cum-shot over for the first of many Newport corners after eight minutes and Ben Thomson's shot was blocked when Gibbons and Wakefield worked the ball across to him from the right after 13 minutes. Chris Collins shot over from outside the box after 15 minutes as Newport enjoyed a good spell of pressure. Wietecha made a great save after 22 minutes when Wakefield skipped past both Chapman and Dan Larkin and Gibbons put a good chance wide a minute later when Holbrook put the ball in. Anthony Hogg was pushed further forward after Dent received his marching orders, but Invicta's already stretched attacking options were now even more limited.

There were bookings for Newport's Danny Rofe and Invicta's Chapman.

NEWPORT (Isle of Wight): Matthews, Cole (Connor 53 mins), Collins (Jones 45 mins), Holbrook, Price, Buckman, Rofe, Green, Gibbons, Wakefield, Thomson. Unused sub: Parkin.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo, A. Larkin, D. Larkin, Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Bower, Dent, Henry. Unused subs: Ayling, Towse, Daniels.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 2 Chelmsford City (0) 1

RM Dec 26, 2001 Attendance: 358.
Folkestone Invicta returned to winning ways when goals from Andy Morris and Martin Chandler gave them a 2-1 Boxing Day victory over Paul Parker's Chelmsford City at Cheriton Road. Morris opened the scoring after 17 minutes when he drilled the ball home after a James Virgo shot had deflected off former Spurs man Brian Statham. Chelmsford dominated the second half but Invicta increased their lead after 84 minutes when an excellent crossfield ball from Virgo sent Chandler away and the 18-year-old midfielder took one touch to carry the ball on and a second to dink the ball past goalkeeper Richard Hurst. But Invicta's breathing space was short-lived as a minute later a well-worked move saw little Russell Williamson combine with Ian Cambridge and cross for towering substitute Colin Wall to head home.

Invicta welcomed back Matt Bower after his recent trek around the world and left back Virgo, though centre half Scott Daniels was still missing with a calf injury. Virgo has had his critics so far this season but adds natural balance to the Invicta line up and the former Dover Athletic left back was to play a part in both Invicta's goals after a nine-match absence with a hamstring injury. On a bone hard pitch, Invicta were nearly ahead after just five minutes when striker James Dryden goot up to meet a Virgo cross. At the other end, Dave Wietecha saved Kevin Dobinson's low shot after 10 minutes. Morris' first goal of the season was to end Invicta's goal drought which had lasted for over five hours of Premier Division football.

There was a scare for Invicta after 33 minutes when Williamson shot against the post from Statham's ball in. But Nicky Dent missed a good chance to increase Invicta's lead two minutes later when he shot over after Dryden played the ball across to him from the right. And Invicta were close again after 42 minutes when Hurst turned away a Virgo shot when a free kick on the edge of the penalty area was touched to him following a foul on Dryden.

The visitors camped in Invicta's half after the interval as Cambridge curled a shot over when Richard Skelly played the ball to him after 59 minutes and Dobinson twice shot at goal within a couple of minutes. Goalscorer Morris somehow cleared off the line and injured himself against the post in the process after 70 minutes when Williamson went round Wietecha and seemed set to equalise. Ben Lewis then missed a sitter after 76 minutes when he hit the ball into Wietecha's grateful arms after a corner needlessly conceded by Anthony Henry fell to the Chelmsford defender at the far post. Chandler's goal came from Invicta's only serious attack of the second half, but was soon cancelled out by Wall's goal at the other end. Cambridge's shot flashed wide of the Invicta goal as Chelmsford threatened an equaliser after 88 minutes. But Invicta had done enough to record a much-needed win.

Invicta centre half Andy Larkin was making his 150th appearance for the club and had younger brother Dan alongside him at the heart of the home defence. There were bookings for Invicta's Bower and Morris and for Chelmsford's Williamson and Garry Cross.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo, A. Larkin, D. Larkin, A. Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent, Henry. Unused subs: Ayling, Daniels, Towse.
CHELMSFORD CITY: Hurst, Cross (Wall 81 mins), Skelly, Lewis, Wiles, Statham, Cambridge, Dobinson (Tovey 75 mins), Adams (Hockton 59 mins), Williamson, Cousins.


Salisbury City (1) 2 Folkestone Invicta (0) 0

RM Dec 22, 2001 Attendance: 300.
Folkestone Invicta's disappointing spell continued when they went down 2-0 away to bottom-of-the-table Salisbury City on the Saturday before Christmas. Ryan King opened the scoring after 11 minutes at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium and Wayne Turk made it 2-0 after 88 minutes as Salisbury recorded on their second Premier Division win of the season.

Invicta have lost the early season impetus which made them such an attractive proposition earlier in the campaign and a combination of injuries and cuts in the playing budget is starting to hit the team hard. By contrast, Salisbury were buoyed by the recent return of influential striker Paul Sales after a three-month absence through injury. The Wiltshire club need a minor miracle to maintain their Premier Division status this season but are a much better team with Sales leading the line. The home side's margin of victory would have been greater but for an excellent performance from Invicta goalkeeper Dave Wietecha.

Invicta's first blow came before the game when player-coach Scott Daniels failed a fitness test on his injured calf and had to watch the game from the sidelines. Salisbury made a purposeful start, but it was Invicta who could have gone ahead when the hard-working James Dryden had a shot cleared off the line by Salisbury's player-manager Steve Richardson after eight minutes following a break down the right. At the other end, Wietecha got a hand to divert the ball away from Sales after Richardson's right wing cross and young Dan Larkin headed off the line after 10 minutes. And Salisbury opened the scoring when Wietecha made a good one-handed save to keep out a Sales strike, only for the ball to fall to King who converted the rebound.

Dryden was again Invicta's most inventive player and the young striker was unlucky not to equalise after 13 minutes when his great dipping shot on the turn was touched onto the crossbar by 19-year-old goalkeeper James Bittner. There continued to be chances as King couldn't make full contact to Scott Bartlett's cross after 14 minutes at one end and Nicky Dent's shot across goal was cleared when captain Danny G. Chapman put him through. Wietecha made an incredible double save after 20 minutes to keep out first King's shot and then Scott Griffin's rebound when Turk played the ball in from the right. Invicta right back Andy Morris headed over an Anthony Henry cross after 22 minutes in a move started by Chapman. Sales poked the ball just wide of the Invicta post when Turk's shot fell to him after 33 minutes as Salisbury threatened again.

Invicta replaced young Larkin with John Ayling at halftime, with Hogg switching to full back. But they were in trouble again when Sales shot wide after Chapman had given the ball away two minutes into the second half. Wietecha made another excellent save when the always tricky Tyronne Bowers ran at the Invicta defence after 52 minutes and defender Henry made an equally important interception to deny King a second rebound goal. Invicta had to make another change when an injury to Mike Azzopardi saw him replaced by Lee Winfield after 63 minutes.

A lack of match practise saw Sales not make enough contact when a corner fell to him after 64 minutes, while at the other end a speculative Dent shot flew over in the 79th minute after a crossfield ball from Morris. The result was put beyond doubt when Turk delivered a perfectly executed chip over Wietecha in the 89th minute when Richardson played the ball forward to Sales. It was Turk's first goal of the season and his team will surely have scored few better in a troubled campaign. Salisbury's Richardson and Bowers were both booked during the closing minutes of the first half when their assistant manager Tommy Killick was also banished to the sidelines for comments made to the referee.

SALISBURY CITY: Bittner, Bartlett (Wills 80 mins), Cook, Mathie, Richardson, Davies, Turk, Griffin, Sales (Crook 90 mins), King, Bowers. Unused sub: Emms.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, D. Larkin (Ayling 45 mins), A. Larkin, Azzopardi (L. Winfield 63 mins), A. Hogg, Chandler. D.G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent, Henry. Unused sub: Daniels.


Folkestone Invicta (2) 2 Tonbridge Angels (0) 1

RM Dec 18, 2001 Attendance: 178.
Two first half goals from leading marksman James Dryden were enough to take Folkestone Invicta through in their BOSE Kent Senior Cup 1st Round tie at home to Tonbridge Angels on Tuesday night. Dryden also missed a penalty during first half stoppage time as Invicta seemed to be in cruise control before eventually having to hang on after Mark Greatorex pulled a goal back for Tonbridge in the 75th minute.

Tonbridge went into the game with former Invicta players Billy Manuel, Richard Ponsford, Peter McCann and Ryan Briggs, as well as goalkeeper Andrew Walker who played for Invicta in their pre-season programme. The visitors made a positive start, but it was Invicta who had the first real chance when Dryden brought a save out of goalkeeper Walker after combining with Nicky Dent in the 17th minute. At the other end, Invicta goalkeeper Dave Wietecha did well to touch Nick Humphrey's shot over for the game's first corner after 20 minutes following some trickery from Briggs. Invicta began to get on top and strikers Dent and Dryden both headed over from great Andy Morris crosses after 24 and 38 minutes respectively.

A minute later Dryden opened the scoring when he latched onto a good through ball from midfield, rounded Walker and shot into the roof of the net from an angle. That ended Invicta's three-match goal drought and just four minutes later it was 2-0 when Anthony Hogg found Morris on the right and Dryden headed in the pinpoint far post cross. In first half stoppage time Dent was caught by a stray foot from a good Hogg ball and Invicta were awarded a penalty. The decision to give Dryden the chance of an eight-minute hat-trick backfired as the striker's spot kick hit the post.

Hogg shot wide following a flowing move involving substitute John Ayling and Dryden within a minute of the second half. Tonbridge captain Manuel had been sent off on Saturday and the inevitable flashpoint involving the former Invicta player-coach occurred after 53 minutes when he traded blows with Invicta skipper Danny g. Chapman and both players were booked. The incident had started with a slight altercation between Dryden and Greatorex for which the Tonbridge man was also booked.

Dent shot wide on the turn after 59 minutes as Invicta were coasting towards victory. But a great through ball from Greg Howell was converted by Greatorex after 74 minutes to make it 2-1. Suddenly Tonbridge were right back in it and substitute Keith Moore shot against the post after 77 minutes following a move involving Greatorex and Dean Holmes. It was now getting too close for comfort for Invicta, though Dent had a 'goal' ruled out by a linesman's flag after 83 minutes. Invicta's Hogg and Tonbridge's Howell and Alan Tutton were also booked by referee Mick McCoy.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, D. Larkin, A. Larkin, Daniels (Ayling 26 mins, L. Winfield 76 mins), Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent, Henry. Unused sub: Towse.
TONBRIDGE ANGELS: Walker, Tingley, Ponsford (Moore 60 mins), Tutton, Humphrey, McCann, Manuel, Howell, Holmes, Briggs (Cass 45 mins), Greatorex (Piojaway 82 mins).


Folkestone Invicta (0) 0 Tiverton Town (1) 3

RM Dec 15, 2001 Attendance: 281.
Folkestone Invicta's sticky spell continued with a demoralising 3-0 home defeat against Tiverton Town at Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon. The Devon club have proved to be something of a bogey side for Invicta this season having won all three games between the clubs without the Folkestone side even having a goal to show for their efforts.

The visitors opened the scoring after 22 minutes when Scott Rogers swept the ball into the net following a scramble in the Invicta goalmouth from Jamie Mudge's right wing cross. And Invicta gifted Tiverton their second goal just 12 seconds into the second half when centre half Andy Larkin's weak headed back pass allowed Kevin Nancekivell to round Dave Wietecha and score from a narrow angle. Invicta then had a mountain to climb and they fell 3-0 down after substitute Richard Pears sidefooted the ball home after 75 minutes. Pears limped off four minutes later and Tivvy finished the game with ten men as Steve Winter was stretchered off after 79 minutes. But the result was by then already beyond doubt.

Invicta had their moments in the first half, but the it was the visitors who had the better early chances as Nancekivell shot just wide of the far post after five minutes and Steve Peters headed just over after 27 minutes. At the other end Tiverton goalkeeper Paul Edwards did well to turn a sweet Martin Chandler shot past the post after 36 minutes and centre half Anthony Henry saw his shot blocked in a goalmouth melee a minute later.

Tiverton's soft second goal straight after the interval was a big turning point in the game. Edwards made a great one-handed save to keep out a Henry header from a 52 minute free kick. At the other end, Wietecha kept out a Phil Everett far post header after 71 minutes. Invicta staged a late rally in a vein attempt for a consolation goal and Henry had a shot blocked after 88 minutes.

This was the sort of comprehensive home defeat which can lead to a lot of soul-searching at a club as Invicta again failed to turn possession into goals, particularly during the first half. And the fact that one of the four floodlight pylons was out of action only added to the gloom. The home side had lost right back Andy Morris with a head injury after 36 minutes. There were second half bookings for Invicta's Dan Larkin and James Dryden.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris (Hogg 36 mins), D. Larkin, A. Larkin (Ayling 61 mins), Daniels, Azzopardi, Chandler. D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent, Henry. Unused sub: Winfield.
TIVERTON TOWN: Edwards, Winter, Saunders, Peters, Marker, Rogers, Nancekivell, Mudge (Pears 66 mins, Lynch 79 mins), Everett, Steele, Chenoweth (Gross 76 mins).


Hastings (2) 5 Folkestone Invicta (0) 0

RM Dec 11, 2001 Attendance: 215.
Folkestone Invicta suffered a night to forget when they were comprehensively beaten in Tuesday night's Dr Martens League Cup Second Round tie away to Hastings Town at a cold Pilot Field. Invicta conceded goals towards the start and the finish of a first half in which they created a lot of chances and then finished well beaten as Hastings increased their lead at the start of the second half.

Invicta fell behind after just three minutes when the ball was nodded down for former French youth international Landry Zahana-Oni to open the scoring with his seventh goal in four games. Mike Azzopardi blasted over at the other end after five minutes as Invicta created the majority of the early chances. James Dryden did very well down the right after 12 minutes and crossed for Anthony Hogg as the visitors force their first corner of the game and Hogg shot wide when John Ayling's ball fell to him four minutes later. The closest Invicta came to a goal was after 18 minutes when Dryden cut in from the right and shot against the crossbar following a crossfield ball from Nicky Dent. A minute later Invicta goalkeeper Dave Wietecha made a great save to keep out a fierce Lee McRobert shot.

There were chances at both ends as Wietecha came out to deny Steve Yates after a neat interchange with Zahana-Oni, while Tony Burt cleared off the line from Hogg after 25 minutes. Invicta were close again after 32 minutes when Hogg couldn't quite convert Dryden's right wing cross after a great run by Ayling and Azzopardi shot wide at the far post. But it was 2-0 after 35 minutes when Ayling gave the ball away to McRobert on the left and the former Ashford Town and Dover Athletic striker's shot came back off Wietecha for Chris Honey to score.

Right back Andy Morris twice went close before the interval as Invicta continued to create chances. But any hopes of salvaging the tie ended when Yates hit a delicate chip over Wietecha to make it 3-0 with a quality finish after 47 minutes. Martin Chandler shot wide after 59 minutes when Ayling and Dent combined to thread the ball through for Invicta. But Invicta were soon to be in trouble again and Honey added his second goal of the night to make it 4-0 after Morris had cleared the ball off the line on the hour. Honey was close to completing his hat-trick a couple of minutes later as the home side and their supporters began to really enjoy themselves. And Yates made it 5-0 when the play was spread from left to right after 77 minutes and the again impressive wing back drilled the ball past Wietecha at his near post.

There were bookings for Invicta's Morris, Hogg, Dent and Dryden. Captain Danny G. Chapman (dead leg) and Anthony Henry were missing from the Invicta starting line up for the first time since joining the club in August.

HASTINGS TOWN: King, Yates, Osborne, Playford, Burt, Flanagan, McRobert (Webb 66 mins), McArthur, Honey, Zahana-Oni, Ruddy. Unused subs: Myall, Jones.
FOLKESTONE INVCTA: Wietecha, Morris, D. Chapman, A. Larkin, Daniels (Henry 64 mins), Hogg, Chandler, Azzopardi, Dryden, Dent, Ayling. Unused subs: D. Larkin, Lawrence.


Moor Green (1) 2 Folkestone Invicta (0) 0

RM Dec 08, 2001 Attendance: 292.
Folkestone Invicta's six-match unbeaten league run came to an end when they went down to goals about ten minutes into each half away to Moor Green in Birmingham on Saturday afternoon. Chances were few and far between in a keenly contested game involving two evenly matched teams at the Moorlands. But the Moors avenged their narrow defeat at Cheriton Road back in November thanks to goals from Richard Softley and John Gayle.

Softley opened the scoring after 11 minutes when he shot first time past Dave Wietecha after big centre forward Gayle had touched the ball into his path from Jamie Petty' left wing cross. Former Wimbledon and Birmingham striker Gayle made it 2-0 after 55 minutes when he converted Jae Martin's left wing cross after the far post after it had initially evaded Mark Crisp.

Playing their first game for ten days, Invicta kept faith in young Dan Larkin in the left wing back role he had filled in the recent home matches with Newport and Havant. Players and supporters found themselves in the strange situation of shielding the unseasonal December sun from their eyes during the first half. Invicta's best chance of the opening period came after 24 minutes when striker James Dryden skipped past Richard Robinson down the left flank, but Martin Chandler couldn't quite get on the end of the subsequent cross. Chandler and captain Danny G. Chapman were both in the wars in what was always going to be a highly competitive midfield battle. Chandler went down in the penalty area under a challenge from Chris Gillard after 46 minutes as Invicta sought a way back into the game, but Gayle's goal effectively ended the visitors' hopes of troubling Moor Green's unbeaten home record this season.

Striker John Ayling came on for centre half Andy Larkin as Invicta switched to a 4-3-3 formation for the final half hour. Home goalkeeper Adam Rachel made a point blank save from Ayling after 68 minutes following a great run by Dan Larkin. But Moor Green threatened to increase their lead after 83 minutes when the dangerous Martin ran at the stretched Invicta defence but chipped tamely at Wietecha. Moor Green's Robinson was booked after 71 minutes.

MOOR GREEN: Rachel, Robinson, Brighton, Gillard, Softley (Scheppel 74 mins), Stanley, Peer, Crisp, Gayle (Lamey 84 mins), Martin (Joyce 84 mins), Petty.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, D. Larkin, A. Larkin (Ayling 58 mins), Daniels (D. Chapman 74 mins), Hogg (Azzopardi 68 mins), Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent, Henry.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 1 Havant & Waterlooville (1) 1

RM Nov 27, 2001 Attendance: 346.
A 59th minute equaliser from top goalscorer James Dryden gave a makeshift Folkestone Invicta side a point against high-flying Havant and Waterlooville at Cheriton Road on Tuesday night. The Hawks had taken the lead after just eight minutes through Jamie O'Rourke and seemed to be well in control during the first half. But the visitors lost their heads with the officials and had former Chelsea defender Gareth Hall sent off for dissent after 55 minutes as Invicta looked the more likely winners during the second half.

Invicta lost both Andy Morris and Danny Chapman to their growing injury list from Saturday's line up, but had Martin Chandler and excellent club man Andy Larkin back from suspension and injury respectively. The home side were dealt another huge blow though when experienced striker Nicky Dent suffered a recurrence of his groin injury during the warm up and had to be replaced after just five minutes by 19-year-old Lee Winfield.

To make Invicta's task more difficult, the visitors opened the scoring just three minutes later courtesy of a quality finish from O'Rourke after a crossfield ball from the left. O'Rourke had scored both Havant's goals when the sides drew 2-2 in Hampshire back in September. Dave Wietecha picked a long distance shot from Gary Connolly out of the air after 19 minutes as it looked like being a testing evening for the home side. Havant had Portsmouth stalwart Alan Knight making his debut in goal and the vastly experienced custodian touched over an Anthony Hogg shot after 22 minutes, only for the referee to award a goal kick. Balham-born Knight, now aged 40, was granted the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth, after making 683 appearances for Pompey.

Havant player-manager Liam Daish was booked for a typically strong challenge on Hogg after 26 minutes. The visitors still looked comfortable though as O'Rourke shot wide with a good chance after 33 minutes and Chris Ferrett's 38th minute free kick flashed right across the Invicta goal. But it all started to go wrong for the visitors when co-manager Mick Jenkins was banished to the stands for comments made to a linesman and goalkeeper Knight was booked for comments made to referee Prior after a Dryden challenge during first half stoppage time. Hogg shot wide with Invicta's best chance thus far after 55 minutes and Hall was sent off for dissent in the absence of a flag for offside.

Dryden latched onto a Hogg ball and dinked the ball over Knight to make it 1-1 three minutes later as the visitors again appealed in vain for offside. O'Rourke was booked for a late challenge on Scott Daniels on the hour and Anthony Henry headed wide a minute later. Invicta's best chance to win the game came after 63 minutes when the ball deflected off Winfield's head and beyond Mike Azzopardi on the Havant goal line after great play from Dryden down the left. Azzopardi then shot wide with a good chance at the far post after 72 minutes following a deep left wing cross from Dan Larkin. But ten-men Havant began to settle down again and Henry, Chandler and Azzopardi all had to clear off the line in a three-minute spell. Invicta's last chance fell to goalscorer Dryden whose shot this time was blocked.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Azzopardi, D. Larkin, A. Larkin, Daniels, A. Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent (L. Winfield 5 mins. Guiver 87 mins), Henry. Unused sub: Towse.
HAVANT and WATERLOOVILLE: Knight, Connolly, Ferrett, Price, Hall, Daish, Anstey, Hambley, O'Rourke, Taylor, Champion. Unused subs: Griffin, Blake, Davis.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 2 Newport (IoW) (1) 2

RM Nov 24, 2001 Attendance: 380
Folkestone Invicta dropped two points when an injury time equaliser from Dave Wakefield gave Newport (Isle of Wight) a share of the spoils in a game Invicta will still be wondering how they did not win. Invicta had missed chance after chance during the second half when a combination of poor finishing and inspired goalkeeping from Newport's Colin Matthews prevented the home side from adding to their 2-1 lead.

Neil Cugley's side had opened the scoring after 27 minutes when top goalscorer James Dryden stabbed the ball home after Matthews had saved his initial shot. But Newport were level during first half stoppage time when the previously immaculate Anthony Henry gave the ball away to Adam Barsdell who played the ball across for Wakefield to score. Invicta regained their lead after 55 minutes when striker Nicky Dent crowned his best performance of the season so far with one of his special goals when he met Andy Morris' right wing cross with a spectacular finish.

Newport went straight down the other end and Invicta goalkeeper Dave Wietecha had to save from Barsdell. But it was then a catalogue of chances which went begging for Invicta that eventually came back to haunt them. Centre half Scott Daniels headed just wide from an Anthony Hogg free kick after 63 minutes and Matthews got down well to touch a Hogg shot away for a corner after a great interchange between Dent and Morris down the right in the 68th minute. Matthews did well again to keep out a Dryden piledriver after 71 minutes and then denied Hogg again after 76 minutes following more trickery from the Invicta midfielder. Henry headed over from a Morris corner after 80 minutes and Matthews was at it again to save from Dryden after 83 minutes when Dent squared the ball to his striking partner and Morris' follow up was blocked for a corner. Dent shot wide after 89 minutes following good play from Mike Azzopardi and the latter himself missed a good chance in the last minute when Dent turned provider.

Wakefield's injury time strike was to turn everything around.

Invicta had brought in youngster Dan Larkin for the suspended Martin Chandler and nearly went ahead after 12 minutes when Dent played a low ball across from the left. And Matthews gave an indication of what was to come by making a good save from Dent after 13 minutes following good play from Hogg. Invicta's Danny Chapman was the game's only booking for kicking the ball away in the47th minute.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris (Towse 85 mins), Azzopardi, D. Chapman, Daniels, A. Hogg, D. Larkin, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent, Henry. Unused subs: A. Larkin, S. Hogg.
NEWPORT (Isle of Wight): Matthews, Cole, Collins (Thomson 64 mins), Holbrook, Rew, Middleton (Tate 64 mins), Leigh (Moss 6 mins), Green, Gibbons, Wakefield, Barsdell.


King's Lynn (0) 0 Folkestone Invicta (2) 2

RM Nov 17, 2001 Attendance: 885
Folkestone Invicta made it four successive wins in the Dr Martens League Premier Division when first half goals from Mike Azzopardi and Nicky Dent gave Neil Cugley's side a comfortable win at King's Lynn.

Loan signing Azzopardi was making his first starting appearance in the league for Invicta and gave the visitors a perfect start at the Walks by opening the scoring after just three minutes. The goal came when Margate man Azzopardi fired home when the ball fell to him after King's Lynn defender Roger Joseph had blocked James Dryden's shot on the line after initially giving the ball away to the Invicta striker. Dent's follow up was also blocked before the ball fell to Azzopardi on the edge of the box. The second goal came after 28 minutes when left back Danny Chapman won the ball and played the ball down the flank to the in-form Dryden who raced past Joseph and sent over a delicate chip for striking partner Dent to head home.

Dent and King's Lynn captain Glen Fuff are both experienced old campaigners and their sometimes physical confrontation was one of the game's sub plots. But it was again Dryden who provided Invicta with a cutting edge as the 21-year-old tore into the home side's defence and played a big part in the two goals. The closest King's Lynn came to scoring was when Adie Hayes shot against the post after 20 minutes when Simon Dakin's cross from the right came back out to him.

Dave Wietecha had been man of the match in his comeback game at home to Moor Green the previous Saturday and played for Leyton Orient reserves against Crystal Palace reserves in midweek. But the big goalkeeper had a first half to forget at King's Lynn as he looked very uncertain at crosses. Just as well the Linnets have been struggling in front of goal lately. In an often scrappy game, Chapman cleared from close to the Invicta line when a cross from the left presented King's Lynn with another chance after 25 minutes. Dakin then shot horribly wide after 32 minutes when Danny Bloomfield's cross from the left fell to him.

The second half was a fairly nondescript affair as the home side and majority of the 885 crowd became increasingly frustrated. Bloomfield, a loan signing from Norwich City, was wide at the far post after 65 minutes from former Oldham and Leeds United winger Tommy Wright's left wing cross. And Andy Morris blocked Hayes' 83rd minute shot after the ball was played back from the right. But Invicta always looked dangerous on the break and home goalkeeper Steve Wilson saved from Azzopardi after 86 minutes following a move involving Martin Chandler and Dent. Invicta centre half Scott Daniels was the game's only booking for a strong challenge from behind on Zeke Rowe after 49 minutes.

KING'S LYNN: Wilson, Dakin, March, Joseph, Fuff, C. Clark (Jones 62 mins), Minett (Wright 36 mins), Hayes, Bloomfield (J. Clarke 73 mins), Rowe, White.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Azzopardi, D. Chapman, Daniels, A. Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent (D. Larkin 90 mins), Henry. Unused subs: Ayling, A. Larkin.


Erith & Belvedere (0) 1 Folkestone Invicta (1) 2

RM Nov 13, 2001 Attendance:
A cracking goal from substitute Martin Chandler after 83 minutes took Folkestone Invicta through in Tuesday night's Dr Martens League Cup 1st round tie away to Erith & Belvedere. Chandler struck with his first touch after replacing Nicky Dent when his shot simply flew into the net when the ball fell to him outside the penalty area after James Dryden had won a corner down the right. Invicta had taken the lead with a Dent header after 41 minutes at Park View Road, but Erith equalised through substitute Marvin Neufille after 75 minutes.

Making just two changes from Saturday's starting line up, Invicta had completely dominated the first half when they could have put the tie beyond the home side's reach. John Ayling headed just wide at the far post after just two minutes and Anthony Henry shot just over from the edge of the penalty area after eight minutes. Dryden shot over with a good chance after 11 minutes when Ayling played a low ball across from the left to him. And Ayling's shot was saved by home goalkeeper Dean Lee after 24 minutes when right back Andy Morris' cross fell to the young striker on the edge of the area. Dent was then close to find the net from a tight angle after 25 minutes as it seemed hard to believe that the visitors had not yet scored.

In a rare attack Erith's Richard Vercesi's shot was blocked after a dangerous left wing cross from former Furness, Cardiff and Dover Athletic striker Darren Adams. A foul on Dryden down the left resulted in a Danny G. Chapman free kick after 41 minutes which Dent headed home to finally open the scoring. Vercesi shot wide from Steve White's right wing cross after 45 minutes, but despite the late first half goal, home manager Mick Acland must have been relieved to see his side going in at half time just the one goal down.

Invicta brought on young defender Dan Larkin for Scott Daniels at half time and Erith made a much better game of it after the interval. The introduction on the hour of big substitute Neufille added strength to the Erith attack. Neufille made an immediate impact as Morris cleared off the line from the former Sittingbourne striker after 62 minutes when Adams went down in the box from Tim Bealey's testing cross. Neufille then shot wide from the edge of the box after 64 minutes. And the equaliser came when Neufille converted Mark Vercesi's left wing cross from close to the six yard box. But Chandler's strike spared the crowd an extra half hour in the tie.

Invicta's Danny Chapman was booked after 86 minutes for a foul on Chris Whitehouse.

ERITH & BELVEDERE: Lee, Bealey, Gibson, Roberts, Driscoll, M. Vercesi, Marwa, R. Vercesi, Adams, White (Neufille 60 mins), Whitehouse. Unused subs: Emmerick, Chandler.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Azzopardi, D. Chapman, Daniels (D. Larkin 45 mins), A. Hogg, Ayling (Reina 57 mins), D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent (Chandler 81 mins), Henry.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 1 Moor Green (0) 0

RM Nov 10, 2001 Attendance: 333
A last minute goal from striker James Dryden gave Folkestone Invicta a much-needed victory on Saturday afternoon to lift any gloom lingering at Cheriton Road after the club's recent exits from both the F. A. Cup and F. A. Trophy.

Dryden's goal came three seconds from the end of the 90 minutes and it was a good one. Ricky Reina played the ball out to the right where fellow substitute Mike Azzopardi crossed it in for leading goalscorer to get up and head home. If anybody deserved his moment of glory it was 21-year-old Dryden who had been denied three times by either the post or crossbar on the previous two Saturdays in the cup ties against Welling and Tiverton at Cheriton Road. Azzopardi will also be pleased with his contribution to the goal on his first appearance since joining the club on loan from Margate.

The game had seemed to be heading for a goalless draw after an even encounter. Nicky Dent had missed Invicta's best chance of the second half when his shot was saved by goalkeeper Richard Anstiss after 54 minutes when Martin Chandler won the ball in midfield, broke and presented the striker with a clear chance. Three minutes earlier Dent had shot wide when James Virgo's crossfield ball fell to him at the far post. Invicta had Dave Wietecha back in goal for his first appearance since returning from a spell in New Zealand and a loan period at Ashford Town. And the big goalkeeper played his part in Invicta's victory by saving from Danny Scheppel at the far post after 71 minutes following a cross from the right and then coming out to deny Jae Martin after 84 minutes when the dangerous Moor Green striker cut in from the left and seemed set to score. Substitute Nathan Lamey had missed Moor Green's best chance when he shot wide across goal when clean through after 67 minutes.

Right back Andy Morris shot wide across goal for Invicta when captain Danny G. Chapman's free kick eventually fell to him after 81 minutes, but at the other end big Moor Green substitute John Gayle headed wide from Martin left wing cross a minute later. Invicta changed their line up with young striker John Ayling given a starting role and Anthony Hogg relegated to the substitutes' bench. And it was 19-year-old Ayling who looked lively early on as he skipped between two players and forced a save from Anstiss after just two minutes and had another shot blocked blocked by a defender after combining with Dent on the quarter of an hour mark.

For Moor Green, Martin headed Jai Stanleys' free kick at Wietecha after 10 minutes following a foul by Virgo. Ayling then had another shot saved by Anstiss' feet after 18 minutes following a ball in from Dryden. At the other end, Wesley Joyce forced Moor Greens' first corner with a shot from outside the area after 27 minutes and Joyce shot over in the 32nd minute as the stalemate continued.

Invicta's Anthony Henry was booked after 43 minutes for a bad challenge on Scheppel. And from the subsequent well-worked free kick, Richard Softley headed against the far post. Invicta's Chandler was booked for a crude challenge on Chris Gillard after 45 minuets which incensed the visitors and led to retaliatory bookings for their Martin and Stewart Brighton.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Wietecha, Morris, Virgo (A. Hogg 54 mins), D. Chapman, Daniels, Ayling (Azzopardi 74 mins), Chandler. D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent (Reina 80 mins), Henry.
MOOR GREEN: Anstiss, Robinson, Brighton, Gillard, Softley, Stanley, Myers, Crisp (Lamey 62 mins), Joyce (Gayle 76 mins), Martin, Scheppel (Peer 74 mins).


Folkestone Invicta (0) 0 Tiverton Town (1) 1

RM Nov 03, 2001 Attendance: 365
Folkestone Invicta suffered another disappointing cup exit when they went down 1-0 at home to Tiverton Town in the First Round of the F. A. Umbro Trophy at Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon. The loss comes hot on the heels of Invicta's heartbreaking F. A. Cup 4th Qualifying Round replay defeat away to Welling United four days earlier.

The all-important goal was scored by Kevin Nancekivell in the 29th minute when the prolific Tiverton marksman tapped the ball into an empty net after Richard Pears played a low ball across goal following Paul Chenworth's battling run from midfield into the box. It seemed that Nancekivell had to be offside but the officials must have felt that he was behind the ball when Pears played it across.

Invicta had the perfect chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty after 69 minutes for a handball decision against former Blackburn Rovers player Nicky Marker. But Tiverton goalkeeper Paul Edwards did well to get across to his left and keep out Andy Morris' spot kick. Morris, last season's Player of the Year, was making his first start in place of Anthony Browne (ankle injury) since re-joining the club after a loan period at Ashford Town following his summer spell in New Zealand.

Invicta pressed for an equaliser during the second half and finished the game with four forwards on the pitch as substitutes John Ayling and Ricky Reina replaced James Virgo and Anthony Hogg respectively. The home side reverted to four at the back when Ayling came on and it was good to see the 19-year-old striker running at the Tiverton defence in what was a rare outing for the first team these days. Ayling might even have won a late penalty when he went down in the box, but Invicta were unlikely to be thrown two lifelines by the referee. Centre half Scott Daniels headed a Martin Chandler cross wide after 70 minutes as Invicta threw players forward. And striker James Dryden was denied by an upright for the second successive Saturday when he stabbed his shot against the post after 76 minutes following a great run and cross from Morris down the right.

But Tiverton could have increased their lead after 89 minutes when Steve Winter's shot was touched onto the post by goalkeeper Kevin Hudson. Nancekivell had the ball in the net again after 65 minutes when Hudson saved but could not hold Pears' shot, but the 'goal' was ruled out by a linesman's flag.

Invicta were out of sorts during the first half but had the game's first chance when Chandler forced a corner from Edwards after Hogg put him through. The home side improved after the interval and Edwards came to his side's rescue after 59 minutes when he saved from Dryden after a wayward backpass from substitute Stuart Smith. Bad feeling began to creep in as Invicta's Hudson and Nancekivell were both booked after 68 minutes when the Invicta goalkeeper pushed the Tiverton goalscorer out of the way after being impeded from clearing the ball. Invicta striker Dent and long-haired Tiverton substitute Smith were then booked after an 86th minute altercation and there were also late bookings for Invicta captain Danny G. Chapman and Chandler as the home side's frustration boiled over.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Morris, Virgo (Ayling 52 mins), D. Chapman, Daniels, A. Hogg (Reina 79 mins), Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent, Henry. Unused subs: Everitt, Towse.
TIVERTON TOWN: Edwards, Winter (Vinnicombe 90 mins), Saunders, Tatterton, Marker, Rogers, Nancekivell, Pears (Lynch 90 mins), Everett, Chenoweth (Smith 57 mins), Steele. Unused subs: Conning, Grimshaw.


Welling United (2) 5 Folkestone Invicta (1) 1

RM Oct 30, 2001 Attendance: 1026.
Folkestone Invicta's F. A. Cup dream turned into a nightmare when they were well beaten away to Welling United in Tuesday night's 4th Qualifying Round replay at Park View Road despite taking a first half lead through Anthony Hogg. Invicta will now forever have to live with the disappointment that they did not finish Welling off when the Wings were there for the taking at Cheriton Road in the first meeting on Saturday.

All roads seemed to be leading to Reading's Madejski Stadium for Invicta when Hogg opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a great run down the right hand side of the box from Saturday's goalscorer James Dryden. There was little sign then of the calamity which was to follow. But Invicta were to concede four goals in 18 disastrous minutes either side of half time to make the remainder of the match effectively over as a contest.

Welling striker Dave Powell helped himself to a hat-trick as Tony Reynolds' side made light of an early injury to their prolific goalscorer Gary Abbott. As on Saturday a second Invicta goal might well have proved decisive and Dryden was close to getting in on the end of captain Danny G. Chapman's free kick after 32 minutes. But Welling were level after 34 minutes following a disputed corner which came out to Anthony Riviere on the edge of the box who played the ball in for Powell to eventually find the net. Welling's two danger men Powell and Riviere were both also heavily involved as Invicta fell behind in the tie for the first time four minutes later. A great run by Powell saw the ball come out to the dangerous Riviere on the right flank again and this time his cross was headed in by Peter Overton.

Invicta still seemed to have plenty left in the tank and it promised to be a rousing second half. But Invicta soon had a mountain to climb as a 49th minute corner was not cleared at the far post and Powell made it 3-1 to give the home side breathing space. Worse was to follow as it was 4-1 after 52 minutes when centre half Russ Edwards headed in substitute Dave Flemming's cross from the left. The bickering amongst the Invicta players following that goal was an all too apparent visible sign of a demoralised team. A Hogg shot flew wide as Invicta sought any kind of a lifeline on the hour. But it was becoming all too easy for Welling as Flemming played a low ball across the stretched Invicta defence for Powell to make it 5-1 after 71 minutes and thus complete his hat-trick.

Martin Chandler shot against the outside of the post after a good move involving Ricky Reina and substitute Nicky Dent after 76 minutes. But Welling were now creating chances for fun and Powell, Flemming and Riviere all threatened to make the score even more embarrassing after 78 minutes. Chandler shot wide after 80 minutes as Invicta rallied as best they could. But Flemming and Powell were revelling in the space they now enjoyed and Kevin Hudson had to come out and deny the latter when he was put through again after 84 minutes. Flemming had been booked for a late challenge on Scott Daniels after 26 minutes.

Welling will be hoping that this emphatic victory acts as a positive turning point in their so far disappointing league season. Invicta will now have to show spirit to ensure that this bitter disappointment does not have a similar negative affect on them.

WELLING UNITED: Knight, Watts, Overton, Hone, Edwards, Lindsey, Riviere, Rutherford, Abbott (Flemming 14 mins), Powell (Miles 87 mins), Barnes. Unused subs: Saunders, Johnson, Standen.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne (Morris 81 mins), Virgo, D. Chapman (Dent 56 mins), Daniels, A. Hogg, Chandler. D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Reina, Henry. Unused subs: L. Winfield, Ayling, D. Larkin.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 1 Welling United (1) 1

RM Oct 27, 2001 Attendance: 724.
Folkestone Invicta were left frustrated when Saturday's big AXA Sponsored F. A. Cup 4th Qualifying Round tie against Welling United ended in a stalemate and the winners were given a plum draw away to Reading in the First Round draw live made by Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson on BBC1.

The home side had created the vast majority of chances and had gone ahead after just ten minutes when striker James Dryden headed Martin Chandler's cross from the right into the corner of the net. But Welling equalised after 31 minutes when ace marksman Gary Abbott pounced from close range after Invicta goalkeeper could only get a hand to Anthony Riviere's drive across goal when Peter Overton played the ball down the right flank to the visitors' playmaker. Invicta were desperately unlucky not to restore their lead when goalscorer Dryden twice headed against the crossbar after 35 minutes. The 21-year-old has scored in all of Invicta's F. A., Cup ties this season and played as well as he has ever done on Saturday in front of a 724 crowd.

Dryden first headed a James Virgo free kick against the upright and then astonishingly the same played headed against the underside of the crossbar just seconds later from a Virgo corner. Teenager Chandler then shot over the crossbar after 40 minutes when the ball fell to him on the edge of the box after he had combined with captain Danny G. Chapman, who carried the fight to his former club all afternoon.

Invicta continued to go forward after the interval as Dryden shot just over after 49 minutes when the other Danny Chapman played the ball in from the left. And Anthony Hogg shot just wide of the far post when he cut in from the left after a move started by Dryden. Welling began to steady the ship, but it was still Invicta who looked the more likely winners as wing back Anthony Browne surged down the right past both Steve Barnes and Overton in the 77th minute and blasted the ball across the face of goal.

Welling's best period of the game came in the closing minutes when substitute Dave Flemming was close in the six yard box after 85 minutes. And Riviere was agonisingly close with an acrobatic volley after 88 minutes when substitute Paul Miles played the ball in from the right. This tense tie threatened to spill over after 52 minutes when a bad foul by Mike Rutherford on Browne prompted a free-for-all amongst the players. Invicta centre half Scott Daniels had earlier been booked after 26 minutes for a tackle from behind on Abbott.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, D. Chapman, Daniels, A. Hogg, Chandler. D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Reina (Dent 67 mins), Henry. Unused subs: L. Winfield, Ayling, D. Larkin, Morris.
WELLING UNITED: Knight, Watts, Powell, Hone, Standen (Johnson 82 mins), Lindsey, Riviere, Rutherford, Abbott (Flemming 62 mins), Powell (Miles 82 mins), Barnes. Unused subs: Saunders, Day.


Stafford Rangers (1) 1 Folkestone Invicta (1) 2

Photos from Neil Brown, Stafford Rangers Unofficial Homepage

RM Oct 20, 2001 Attendance: 696.
Folkestone Invicta recovered from a nightmare start to record an impressive victory away to Stafford Rangers on Saturday afternoon. Defenders Anthony Browne and Scott Daniels scored the goals after Paul Kiely had put Stafford ahead in the opening minutes at Marston Road.

Kick off was delayed until 3.15pm as Invicta got caught up in road delays and heavy traffic and had to endure a six-hour journey. And they fell behind when Leigh Everritt ran at the defence and found Antony Eccleston down the right flank whose ball in was converted by leading goalscorer Kiely.

Without the injured Andy Larkin, Nicky Dent and Ricky Reina, Invicta brought in Danny Chapman and debutant Matt Bower and pushed Anthony Hogg forward to partner James Dryden in attack. Centre half Chris Brindley was close for Stafford after seven minutes from Steven Prindiville's free kick. But Invicta were very nearly level after 11 minutes when home goalkeeper Richard Williams somehow kept Dryden's shot out when Bower's shot fell into the striker's path. Delton Francis' shot flashed past the Invicta post a minute later when Kiely spread the play across from the left. But Invicta were level on the quarter of an hour mark when right wing back Browne got forward to score after Bower had played in a crossfield ball from the left hand side.

Invicta goalkeeper Kevin Hudson made a good reflex save after 20 minutes to deny Ian Reed a goal on his first appearance since re-joining Stafford from Worcester City. And Invicta held out until half time as Stafford headed wide a Kiely free kick following a foul by Anthony Henry after 43 minutes. Invicta had been comfortably beaten 3-0 twice by Stafford last season and, remarkably, had eleven changes from the line up which had started last season's corresponding fixture. This game was another example of how Invicta have a far stronger backbone this term.

Centre half Daniels put the visitors ahead after 57 minutes when Martin Chandler's corner from the right fell to him at the far post. Invicta were close to increasing their lead after 61 minutes when Chandler put Dryden through, but Darren Simkin got back to block for a corner after the 21-year-old striker had gone round goalkeeper Williams. Stafford huffed and puffed, but there was to be no goal for substitute striker Joe O'Connor on his 34th birthday. Most of the 696 supporters had left their places on the terraces before the final whistle as Invicta threatened again when Hogg shot across goal after 88 minutes when James Virgo played him in down the left.

STAFFORD RANGERS: Williams, Everritt (Harris 85 mins), Prindiville, Boughey, Brindley, Simkin, Francis, Lovatt, Eccleston (O' Connor 63 mins), Kiely, Reed (Wilkes 63 mins).
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, D. Chapman, Daniels, A. Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Bower, Henry. Unused subs: Guiver, Ayling, D. Larkin.


Horsham (0) 1 Folkestone Invicta (1) 2

RM Oct 13, 2001 Attendance: 549.
James Dryden was Folkestone Invicta's hero as he grabbed an injury time winner in Sussex to send the club into the 4th Qualifying Round of the AXA Sponsored F. A. Cup. It was the 21-year-old striker's second goal of the game as he had earlier opened the scoring with a delicate chip after 29 minutes. But Horsham captain and one-time Invicta player Tommy Warrilow threatened to spoilt the party when he headed home a 79th minute equaliser.

The main selection issue for Invicta these days is which two start up front out of Dryden, Ricky Reina and Nicky Dent. Dryden was given the nod to partner Reina at Queens Road and took full advantage as he took both of his goals very well amidst the sunshine in front of a 549 crowd. Invicta looked comfortable during the first half and Reina forced a good save from goalkeeper Ian Chatfield from Martin Chandler's chip in after just two minutes. Reina then headed wide with a good chance from Dryden's inviting left wing cross after 21 minutes. Chatfield saved from Anthony Hogg after 28 minutes when Anthony Browne put the ball in from the right. And Invicta went ahead a minute later when Hogg slid the ball through for Dryden to race clear and show great composure to send the ball over Chatfield and into the net.

Horsham's best moment of the first half came after 36 minutes when Gavin McGowan's free kick deflected onto the crossbar. McGowan then had a couple of headers at goal as Horsham enjoyed a brief flurry. But Chandler had been influential for Invicta and the teenage midfielder shot at Chatfield when the ball fell to him on the edge of the penalty area right on half time. Chatfield touched over a Reina thunderbolt after 47 minutes and Anthony Henry headed over James Virgo's subsequent corner.

Dryden forced another save from Chatfield after 62 minutes when he beat a defender from Chandler's pass. But Horsham began to create chances as McGowan hit a well-struck free kick straight at Invicta goalkeeper Kevin Hudson after 69 minutes. Two minutes later Jamie Taylor whipped in a dangerous cross after he had down well to keep the ball in play on the right flank and skipped past James Virgo. Invicta centre half Andy Larkin headed the ball past his own post when Horsham substitutes Luke Gedling and John Kirby combined down the right after 78 minutes. And the Ryman League Division Two side were level when former Hythe Town and Ashford Town centre half Warrilow - of all people - headed home Gary Charman's cross from the right.

Suddenly this cup tie was alive with all sorts of possibilities. Stung back into action, Invicta raised the tempo again and Chandler shot just wide from the edge of the box after 81 minutes. Matt Bower replaced Hogg after 82 minutes and made an immediate impact when he nodded the ball on for Dryden to skip past two challenges before rounding Chatfield and shooting into the side netting from a tight angle. There was a scare for Invicta when Hudson saved from Stuart Hardy in the 90th minute. But Dryden rifled home a late winner from the edge of the box after Danny G. Chapman played the ball in nearly four minutes into injury time. The visitors had to survive for a further seven minutes of stoppage time but managed to hold on.

HORSHAM: Chatfield, Bird, Hardy, French, Warrilow, McGowan, Andrews (Gedling 69 mins), Payne (Kirby 45 mins), Taylor, Flain (Lempriere 90 mins), Charman.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, A. Larkin, Daniels, A. Hogg (Bower 82 mins), Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Reina (Ayling 88 mins), Dryden, Henry. Unused subs: Dent, D. Chapman, L. Winfield.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 1 Cambridge City (0) 0

RM Oct 09, 2001 Attendance: 268
The irrepressible Ricky Reina crowned his 150th starting appearance for Folkestone Invicta by hitting the only goal of the game in Tuesday night's 1-0 win at home to Cambridge City. Reina's strike after 57 minutes ended Invicta's run of three consecutive defeats and was his first league goal since re-appearing in Invicta colours back in January.

It was also a belated present for the Folkestone-born striker who had celebrated his 30th birthday the previous Tuesday. Reina became one of the most popular players to wear an Invicta shirt during his first spell with the club between 1991-95. He then played for Sing Tao Sports in Hong Kong, Dover Athletic (two spells), Brentford and Ramsgate before his much-heralded return to Cheiiton Road midway through last season. Persistent knee injuries curtailed Reina's Football League career and have restricted his appearances in recent games as Invicta have missed his all-action style.

Reina's moment of glory came 12 minutes into the second half when he raced onto a ball to the right flank, went round goalkeeper Matt Nurse and planted the ball into the empty net from a tight angle from well out on the touch line. Goalkeeper Nurse was struggling with a rib injury sustained from a late challenge which earned Anthony Hogg a booking after 22 minutes.

It had been a first half of few chances in front of a 268 crowd, Invicta's lowest attendance of the season so far. Nicky Dent's shot was blocked after five minutes following a move involving Hogg and Martin Chandler. At the other end, Tim Woodings' free kick was plucked out of the air by Invicta goalkeeper Kevin Hudson after 13 minutes and Steve Wenlock's shot flashed across the Invicta goal after 20 minutes. Cambridge's Martin Fox ran virtually the whole length of the field to force a corner after 48 minutes.

But Invicta began to make in-roads and Nurse got down to save from Hogg after 54 minutes. Cambridge substitute Jack Wignall headed over from a corner within minutes of coming on after an hour. Nurse got down to deny Hogg again after 71 minutes and Dent's rebound was blocked, while Dent himself headed just wide across goal from Anthony Browne's right wing cross after 83 minutes. But Cambridge threatened a late equaliser when substitute Matt Hamm's shot hit the post in the 88th minute.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, A. Larkin, Daniels, A. Hogg (Bower 88 mins), Chandler. D. G. Chapman, Reina (Dryden 86 mins), Dent, Henry. Unused sub: D. Chapman.
CAMBRIDGE CITY: Nurse, Wooding, Fox, Holden (Wignall 60 mins), Taylor, Tovey (Challinor 82 mins), Wenlock, Mustoe, Wilkin (Hamm 86 mins), O'Flynn, Wilde.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 2 Kettering Town (3) 3

RM Oct 6, 2001 Attendance: 284
Folkestone Invicta staged a magnificent second half comeback but fell to their third successive Premier Division defeat after going in 3-0 down at half time against Kettering Town at Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon. This was the proverbial game of two halves as Invicta looked like being embarrassed at half time, but turned things around by completely dominating a totally one-sided second half.

The former Conference giants had taken full advantage of some poor defending to open the scoring through Dale Watkins after 34 minutes. And the visitors threatened to run away with it when Garry Hughes made it 2-0 after 40 minutes and Watkins struck again right on half time. As the rain fell, Invicta hit back after the interval with goals from Anthony Browne after 54 minutes and Nicky Dent after 76 minutes.

An unlikely equaliser was not out of the question, but the damage had already been done. There had seemed to be little indication of the drama to unfold when the game remained goalless after half an hour. But Kettering then went ahead when Danny Chapman lost the ball and former Cheltenham and Rushden striker Watkins raced away to dink the ball into the net. It was 2-0 after 40 minutes when Hughes picked his spot from the edge of the penalty area and rifled a low shot past goalkeeper Kevin Hudson. Invicta needed a goal before half time and they nearly got it when Martin Chandler's 43rd minute shot looked destined for the top corner, only for Kettering goalkeeper Ian Bowling to make a fine save by tipping the ball over the crossbar. And there seemed to be no way back for Invicta when Watkins finished well to make it 3-0 after 45 minutes when Darren Collins and Ian Colwing worked the ball in from the left.

Invicta set about their task after the interval and were thrown a lifeline when Browne got into the box and the right wing back's shot was turned into his own net on the line by defender Martin Matthews. Invicta replaced defender Chapman with a third striker Ricky Reina after 69 minutes as they camped in the Kettering half. Anthony Hogg battled away in the box after 76 minutes and crossed for Dent to volley home in a move also involving Chandler and Browne. Centre half Scott Daniels was pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but the home side had given themselves just a little too much to do.

There were bookings for Invicta's Chandler and Dent and for Kettering substitute Shaun Murray.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, D. Chapman (Reina 69 mins), Daniels, A. Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent, Henry. Unused sub: Bower, D. Larkin.
KETTERING TOWN: Bowling, Hughes (Butcher 73 mis), Piercewright (Murray 64 mins), Matthews, Howarth, Norman, Fear, Diuk, Collins, Watkins, Cowling. Unused sub: Lenagh.


Molesey (1) 1 Folkestone Invicta (1) 3

RM Sep 29, 2001 Attendance: 316
Folkestone Invicta came from behind to win Saturday's lucrative AXA Sponsored F. A. Cup 2nd Qualifying Round tie away to Molesey at Walton Road. Invicta fell behind to a Ben Papa goal after 11 minutes, but went in level at half time thanks to a spectacular strike from Anthony Hogg. And they won the tie with goals at the start and end of the second half from strikers Nicky Dent and James Dryden to take the club into the 3rd Qualifying Round for the first time in its 65-year history.

Invicta had the first noteworthy chance of the game when Dent headed Anthony Browne's cross from the right wide after 11 minutes. But the Ryman League Division Two side came straight down the other end and opened the scoring when David Ocquaye and Steve Threadgold combined to get the ball in from the right for Papa to score.

Without injured player-manager Clive Walker, Molesey now had a lead to defend and got players behind the ball as Invicta struggled to make in-roads. The home side could have increased their lead after 24 minutes when they broke following an Invicta corner at the other end and goalkeeper Kevin Hudson had to touch Threadgold's shot onto the crossbar and over. That save became more important as the afternoon went on. Ten minutes later Invicta were level courtesy of a cracking strike from leading goalscorer Hogg after Dent had touched Danny Chapman's cross into his path on the edge of the area. Former England semi professional international goalkeeper Lawrence Batty got a hand to it but could not prevent the ball flying into the top corner. Invicta never looked back after that strike.

The visitors replaced Ricky Reina with Dryden at half time and the substitute made an immediate impact when Paul Burnell conceded possession after 46 minutes and Dryden played the ball across for Dent to rifle home a low shot past Batty. There were chances at both ends after 57 minutes when Burnell glanced a header wide from a Danny Coss corner for Molesey and Dryden's volley was turned around for a corner at the near post by Batty for Invicta. James Virgo for Invicta and Threadgold for Molesey then shot wide in tit-for-tat strikes on goal. Perhaps due to the increased prize money involved in the competition this season both sides were making more than their fair share of mistakes.

It was still end to end as Batty took the ball from Dent's feet when the Invicta striker was given on-side to a Martin Chandler ball after 61 minutes. At the other end Burnell headed just wide of the far post for Molesey. Hogg shot at Batty after 82 minutes when Browne got past his defender down the right flank. And Invicta made the game safe after 89 minutes when Molesey's Ben Loney stopped in his tracks to allow Hogg to cross for Dryden who lobbed Batty as the Molesey defence again stopped in anticipation of the referee's whistle.

During eight minutes of stoppage time, Chandler saw his volley pushed round the pot by Batty after a great exchange of passes with Hogg. By then it was already mission accomplished. There were second half bookings for Invicta's Chandler and Molesey's Burnell.

MOLESEY: Batty, Loney, Burnell, Gray, Lavender, Coss, Wai Wan (Nedip 50 mins), Threadgold (Saunders 77 mins), Papa (James 71 mins), Ocquaye, Lampard. Unused subs: Redings, Robinson.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, D. Chapman, Daniels, A. Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Reina (Dryden 45 mins), Dent (D. Larkin 90 mins), Henry. Unused sub: Everitt.


Ilkeston Town (1) 2 Folkestone Invicta (1) 1

RM Sep 22, 2001 Attendance: 624
Folkestone Invicta came back empty handed from Saturday's long trip to Ilkeston when they went down by the odd goal in three at the New Manor Ground, with all three goals coming from headers.

A good recent run has seen Ilkeston climb to fourth place in the Premier Division table, while Saturday's defeat means that Invicta have slipped down to eleventh place, though still well in touch with the leading pack.

Invicta went into the game without injured centre halves Scott Daniels (achilles) and Andy Larkin (knee), but had Danny Chapman fit again to partner young Dan Larkin and Anthony Henry at the heart of the defence. Striker Nicky Dent also missed the trip after suffering from vertigo.

The Robins got off to a perfect start as Glen Kirkwood headed home after just two minutes after Carl Wright's drive had come back off the crossbar. Invicta battled their way back into the game and were almost level on the half hour mark when striker James Dryden got in behind defender Carl Timons and went round goalkeeper Andy Love, only for defender John Whitehouse to get back and clear off the line. The brave Whitehead was hurt in his efforts as he clattered into an upright. Invicta were level right on half time when summer signing Anthony Browne opened his account for the club with a powerful header when James Virgo came across to the right hand side to send in an inviting free kick.

But Invicta fell behind again after 54 minutes when Whitehead crossed and former Doncaster Rovers forward Kirkwood headed in his and Ilkeston's second goal of the game at the far post. Invicta goalkeeper Kevin Hudson got his hands to Kirkwood's header, but could not prevent it from crossing the line. Ilkeston lost midfielders Tony Hemmings, John Knapper and Ian Robinson through injury during the game, but Invicta could not find the second equaliser which would have given them a share of the spoils.

The visitors brought on all three substitutes, giving Steve Hogg and Mark Towse their first experience of Premier Division football in the closing stages.

ILKESTON TOWN: Love, Whitehead, Williams, Middleton, Timons, Knapper, Robinson, Hemmings, Kirkwood, Wright, Nwadike. Subs (all used): Newton, Abbott, Foster.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, D. Larkin (Towse), D. Chapman (S. Hogg), A. Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Reina (Bower), Henry.


Chelmsford City (1) 2 Folkestone Invicta (1) 1

RM Sep 15, 2001 Attendance: 627.
Folkestone Invicta missed the chance to go top of the Dr Martens League Premier Division when they went down 2-1 away to Chelmsford City at Billericay's New Lodge on Monday night.

The winning goal came after 53 minutes when Chelmsford captain Kevin Dobinson's shot from the edge of the area deflected in off Kris Lee's heel to leave Invicta goalkeeper Kevin Hudson wrong-footed. The Essex club have won all four games since signing impressive striker Lee for �10,000 from Heybridge Swifts after he had topped the Ryman League goalscoring charts last season. But Invicta were desperately close to a second equaliser when Anthony Hogg's shot came back off the underside of the crossbar after 67 minutes when James Virgo's free kick from the edge of the area had been charged down.

Chelmsford had opened the scoring after just three minutes when big former Dover Athletic striker Danny Hockton controlled the ball well and shot past Hudson after a glorious crossfield ball from striking partner Lee. Hudson was back in the Invicta goal after missing Saturday's win over Worcester through suspension and seems set to be the first choice at Cheriton Road, with 21-year-old former Millwall goalkeeper Phil Smith joining Dover Athletic after just one game at Invicta. The visitors were level after just nine minutes on Monday night when James Dryden headed home after Ricky Reina had done well to flight the ball over from the right.

Already without one centre half Scott Daniels (achilles), Invicta had to re-adjust to 4-4-2 when Andy Larkin limped off after just 12 minutes to be replaced by Matt Bower. But the composed Anthony Henry was to be a tower of strength at the back. Invicta were nearly ahead after 18 minutes when Chelmsford goalkeeper Richard Hurst saved first from Virgo and then from Dryden after a move involving Bower and Martin Chandler. Hudson did well to keep out strikes from Ian Cambridge and Lee after 26 minutes, while at the other end Dryden dinked the ball wide after Danny G. Chapman had carried the ball half the length of the field on the break. There continued to be chances at both ends as Dobinson headed a Cambridge free kick into the side netting on the half hour mark and Hogg stabbed the ball at Hurst from Bower's right wing cross. Playmaker Cambridge and skilful little Russell Wilkinson were calling the shots for Cambridge as half time approached and Bower had to clear off the line at the far post after Hudson had lost Cambridge's right wing cross after 39 minutes.

Invicta responded positively after falling behind again amidst blustery conditions in the second half and Reina thumped the ball wide after 56 minutes following battling play from Bower. Reina was cautioned for converting Virgo's deep cross from the left into the net with his hand after 71 minutes, joining Hogg and Bower in referee Couzen's notebook. Chelmsford's Dobinson had also been booked for a first half challenge on Chandler.

Hudson made a great save when he touched Hockton's shot round for a corner at the near post after 73 minutes. Invicta threw players forward as substitutes Nicky Dent and Lee Winfield replaced Dan Larkin and Bower respectively. Dryden's shot was blocked for a corner when Chapman won the ball after 78 minutes. But Chelmsford could have increased their lead after 88 minutes when Hockton broke down the right hand side and shot low across the Invicta goal, with Lee well placed in the middle.

CHELMSFORD CITY: Hurst, Bishop, Skelly, Lewis, Wiles, Williamson, Cambridge, Dobinson (Cross 73 mins), Hockton, Samuels (Adams 68 mins), Lee. Unused sub: Payne.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, A. Larkin (Bower 12 mins, L. Winfield 85 mins), D. Larkin (Dent 74 mins), A. Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Reina, Henry.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 2 Worcester City (0) 1

RM Sep 15, 2001 Attendance: 379
Folkestone Invicta maintained their good start to the season by taking all three points against Worcester City at Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon, with all the goals coming during the second half.

Invicta's win came thanks in no small part to the introduction of substitute Ricky Reina after 75 minutes. Reina had limped off in the previous Saturday's 3-1 home defeat against Hinckley United and missed the midweek draw at Havant & Waterlooville. But he was soon in full flow down the left flank as he surged past one defender into the box before being brought down by Carl Heeley. James Virgo stepped up to beat goalkeeper Paul Wyatt from the penalty spot after 77 minutes.

Invicta had opened the scoring after 54 minutes when Martin Chandler showed great determination in the box after playing a one-two with Anthony Hogg and planted the ball into the net. Worcester responded positively and were level after 61 minutes when top goalscorer Mark Owen picked himself up to score from the penalty spot after being fouled by Anthony Henry.

Invicta were forced into changes as goalkepeer Phil Smith came in for his debut in place of the suspended Kevin Hudson and young defender Dan Larkin made his first start alongside elder brother Andy in place of the injured Scott Daniels. The visitors should have gone ahead as early as the ninth minute when Darren Middleton shot over after striker Mark Shepherd had got clear down the right hand side and squared the ball across to him. Invicta themselves were agonisingly close after 23 minutes when Hogg shot wide across goal when James Dryden and Virgo combined down the left hand side.

Worcester goalkeeper Wyatt made a great save to deny Nicky Dent after 37 minutes when a defensive mix up presented the Invicta striker with the best chance of the game thus far. But at the other end Shepherd slipped the ball under Smith but against the post two minutes later when a ball over the defence had Invicta in trouble. Invicta were hanging on a little at 1-1 as Shepherd headed substitute Paul Carty's 72nd minute cross from the left inches wide and Smith made a vital save to deny Shepherd during that same minute.

There were bookings for Invicta's Reina and for Worcester's Jon Holloway and Carty.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Smith, Browne, Virgo, A. Larkin, D. Larkin, Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent (Reina 75 mins), Henry. Unused subs: L. Winfield, Bower.
WORCESTER CITY: Wyatt, Davies, Jukes (Reed 86 mins), Heeley, Weir, Holloway, Middleton, Ellis (Carty 70 mins), Owen, Shepherd (McFarlane 80 mins), Cottrill.


Havant & Waterloville (1) 2 Folkestone Invicta (0) 2

RM Sep 11, 2001 Attendance: 607
Folkestone Invicta would have gratefully accepted a point before Tuesday night's visit to unbeaten league leaders Havant & Waterlooville, but came back from Hampshire disappointed not to have taken all three points from West Leigh Park. Invicta trailed to a Jamie O'Rourke goal at half time, but turned the game around after the interval with goals from Nicky Dent and Scott Daniels. When the home side had Neil Champion sent off for a second bookable offence after 74 minutes it seemed that the visitors were set for victory. But the Hawks preserved the Premier Division's only remaining unbeaten run this season when O'Rourke struck again from James Taylor's left wing cross after 83 minutes.

Four straight wins had taken Havant top and they were close after 21 minutes when Invicta goalkeeper Kevin Hudson did well to get down and keep out a Tim Hambley shot after some trickery from O'Rourke down the left. At the other end, Anthony Hogg nearly embarrassed home goalkeeper Paul Nicholls with a long shot after 25 minutes. Havant opened the scoring after 28 minutes when a Hudson clearance came back over the Invicta defence, leaving O'Rourke in the clear to slip the ball under the Invicta goalkeeper.

O'Rourke shot into the side netting when he latched onto the ball again a minute later. Hudson made a crucial save after 55 minutes to deny O'Rourke when the ball fell invitingly to the striker again. A minute later Invicta were level when Dent turned in Anthony Browne's low cross form the right after the wing back had played a neat one-two with Martin Chandler. And it got better for the visitors when centre half Daniels headed in a James Virgo corner after 63 minutes on his 50th starting appearance for the club.

Havant's Champion was dismissed for a second yellow card when he fouled Chandler after 74 minutes having earlier been booked for a 48th minute challenge on Daniels. Invicta substitute Lee Winfield curled a shot past the post from the left hand edge of the box after 76 minutes following a great ball forward from Anthony Henry. The home side signalled their intent by bringing on evergreen striker David Leworthy after 78 minutes and the 38-year-old former Spurs and Dover striker showed his class when he struck the crossbar with his first touch of the game. Havant rallied with ten men and O'Rourke's equaliser set up an exciting finish.

Invicta lost Daniels through injury for the second successive match, but nearly restored their lead when Nicholls saved Hogg's last minute volley after a move involving substitutes Matt Bower and Winfield and left wing back Virgo. There were bookings for Invicta's James Dryden and Chandler. Invicta's only absentee was the injured Ricky Reina, while Havant were without player-manager Liam Daish who was suspended after a recent sending off against Bath City.

HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE: Nicholls, Connolly (Leworthy 78 mins), Price, Cook, Hall, Gale, Blake, Hambley, O'Rourke, Taylor, Champion. Unused subs: Anstey, Davis.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, A. Larkin, Daniels (D. Chapman 86 mins), A. Hogg, Chandler (Bower 83 mins), D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent (L. Winfield 69 mins), Henry.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 1 Hinckley United (1) 3

RM Sep 08, 2001 - Attendance: 464
Folkestone Invicta lost both their unbeaten and 100% home records when they went down to two late goals against Hinckley United at Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon. Invicta had trailed to a first half goal, but equalised after dominating the second half, before falling to the double whammy at the end.

The visitors opened the scoring after 14 minutes with a well-worked move when Paul Hunter found Neil Cartwright down the right flank and Andy Lucas converted the subsequent cross. It could have been worse for the home side as Hunter missed a good chance to increase Hinckley's lead when Cartwright got down the right again after 33 minutes. 35-year-old Hunter looked dangerous all afternoon, but somehow failed to hit the target right on half time when he rounded Invicta goalkeeper Kevin Hudson but was denied by some heroics from centre half Scott Daniels on the goal line.

Invicta lost all-action striker Ricky Reina with injury right on half time after a physical battle with big centre half Andy Penny. It was a challenge by Penny on substitute James Dryden which gave Invicta the penalty which brought about their equaliser after 66 minutes. Hinckley goalkeeper Damien Beattie pushed James Virgo's spot kick onto the crossbar, but Nicky Dent was there to make it 1-1 and open his account for the season.

But Hinckley restored their lead with their first serious attack of the second half when captain Morton Titterton applied the finishing touch to a corner from the right after 87 minutes. And it was 3-1 when Hunter turned in Lucas' cross from the left after 90 minutes. The action did not finish their as Anthony Henry blocked Lucas' shot at one end during stoppage time and Beattie made a great save to keep out a Dryden header from a Virgo free kick at the other.

Invicta had started well as Anthony Hogg headed onto the top of the crossbar when Reina forced a corner in the 4th minute. But Hinckley have now scored at least two goals in all four away games so far this season and little strikers Hunter and Lucas gave the usually solid Invicta defence a testing afternoon. Hogg (24 minutes) and Henry (40 minutes) both headed over as Invicta chased an equaliser but they went in trailing at half time. Henry headed a Virgo free kick just over the crossbar after 48 minutes and Dent saw his shot blocked close to the line after 56 minutes. Neil Cugley's side were not having the rub of the green they had enjoyed in the previous Saturday's 1-0 win over Hednesford. For ten crazy minutes referee Wills appeared to lose the plot as Invicta were awarded two indirect free kicks inside the Hinckley penalty area and the visitors' Steve Coates was blocked for dissent after the Greenhithe official had blocked his path. Invicta lost defensive lynchpin Daniels with injury before the second half goals went in.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, A. Larkin, Daniels (D. Chapman 64 mins), Hogg (L. Winfield 87 mins), Chandler. D. G. Chapman, Reina (Dryden 45 mins), Dent, Henry.
HINCKLEY UNITED: Beattie, Cartwright, Lenton, Brennan (Wilkes 88 mins), Penny, Eustace, Storer, Titterton, Hunter, Lucas, Coates. Unused subs: Gordon, Hill.

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Cambridge City (0) 0 Folkestone Invicta (0) 0

RM Sep 03, 2001 - Attendance: 467
Depending on whether you are a pessimist or an optimist, Folkestone Invicta's four match winning run came to an end on Monday night or the club stretched its unbeaten run to five games with a goalless draw away to Cambridge City at Milton Road. Manager Neil Cugley will be pleased with the point against a good footballing side as Invicta again worked hard to record their third clean sheet in the last four matches. The game opened up after the interval when it was a real end to end affair, although a winning goal would certainly have been cruel on whoever ended up losing this match.

Invicta brought in Danny Chapman and Nicky Dent to replace Martin Chandler (dead leg) and James Dryden (flu) from the side that beat Hednesford on Saturday. Chapman came in at centre half as part of a five-man Invicta defence, with Anthony Henry pushing up into midfield. Cambridge had the better of the few first half chances as Dan Chillingworth's 25 yard shot flew just over after nine minutes, the dangerous Adam Wilde drilled in a low cross from the left after 29 minutes and Chillingworth headed just wide after 44 minutes.

But Invicta shaded the second half as Ricky Reina headed a James Virgo's 47th minute cross from the left just wide and Anthony Hogg shot at goalkeeper Matt Nurse from 20 yards after 55 minutes. Cambridge forced the game's first corner after 56 minutes and almost scored as Kevin Hudson made the first of several fine second half saves when Tim Wooding played the ball back into the far post from the left. Striker Kevin Wilkin headed against the crossbar from the subsequent corner. Hudson's best save of the night saw him deny Chillingworth on the hour when Scott Daniels' back pass put the goalkeeper under pressure and he sliced his clearance.

It was then Invicta's turn to enjoy a good spell as Nurse saved well from Virgo when the ball fell to the Invicta wing back on the right hand side of the box after Henry after forced his way down the left. Cambridge left back Martin Fox ran forward and saw his shot deflect into Hudson's hands after 72 minutes. Home centre half Wooding was then booked for clattering into Reina and goalkeeper Nurse turned Virgo's free kick over for a corner. Hudson was there again for Invicta when he saved a Chillingworth header form a corner deep into injury time.

There were bookings for Invicta's Reina, Hogg and Chapman.

CAMBRIDGE CITY: Nurse, Tovey (Taylor 90 mins), Fox, Challinor, Wooding, Wignall, Okafor, Wenlock, Wilkin, Chillingworth, Wilde. Unused subs: Nightingale, Hann.
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, A. Larkin, Daniels, A. Hogg, D. Chapman, D. G. Chapman, Reina, Dent, Henry. Unused subs: L. Winfield, D. Larkin, Yianni.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 1 Hednesford Town (0) 0

RM Aug 30, 2001 - Attendance: 452
Folkestone Invicta's adventure at the top of the Dr Martens League Premier Division continued on Saturday when they overcame Hednesford Town after a dramatic second half at Cheriotn Road on Saturday afternoon. All the game's major talking points occurred after the interval as Invicta grabbed the all-important goal within a minute of the re-start and then hang on after goalkeeper Kevin Hudson was sent off after 55 minutes. Many supporters were still coming out of Stripes Club after half time when Hednesford defender Lenny Curtis headed a deep cross from the left past scrambling goalkeeper Mark Gayle and into his own net when under pressure from Anthony Hogg.

This current side is being talked about as Invicta's best ever after going top over the August Bank Holiday weekend when they became the first Folkestone side to beat Welling in a league game for 20 years. Saturday's win kept them top after the sort of match which Invicta would probably have lost last season by a silly goal rather than emerged victorious in a similar fashion. There was a real sense of togetherness between players and supporters as Invicta's 10-men held on after Hudson's dismissal which brought back memories of last season's heroics with nine men against Margate. Hudson received his marching orders from referee Gavin Hoare when the goalkeeper lunged at Graham Lancashire - although he did appear to play the ball - after giant striker Kevin Francis had charrged down his attempted clearance to put the goalkeeper in trouble. Striker James Dryden took over the goalkeeper's jersey and kept a clean sheet as the defence held firm in front of him.

Whenever referee Hoare visits Cheriton Road things always seem to happen and the Strood official was called into action again after 59 minutes when Stuart Lake raised his hands after Ricky Reina had pulled his shirt. Both players were booked. Dryden and Mark Haran had earlier been booked for a 35th minute flare up. Invicta's Hogg was also booked deep into injury time for pulling back Lake.

The Pitmen had the better of the early chances as Paul Bagshaw chipped over when former Birmingham and Stockport striker Francis flicked the ball into his path after 12 minutes. Andy Larkin made a saving block from Bagshaw's shot on the half hour mark and fellow centre half Scott Daniels threw himself in front of the ball to stop a shot from the subsequent corner. At the other end Craig Hopkins headed dangerously close to his own goal from a James Virgo free kick. Little Dean Craven's shot was deflected into Hudson's hands following a great run by Bagshaw after 35 minutes. Hednesford failed to make their numerical advantage count after Hudson's dismissal as they slumped to their fifth successive defeat since relegation from the Conference last season. The nearest they came to equalising came when the stretching Daniels cleared for a corner when a stray Invicta pass allowed Hednesford player-manager Paul Raynor to put the ball in from the right hand side of the box.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, A. Larkin, Daniels, A. Hogg, Chandler (D. Chapman 84 mins), D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Reina, Henry (Dent 64 mins). Unused sub: L. Winfield.
HEDNESFORD TOWN: Gayle, Hopkins (Airdrie 64 mins), Lucas, Curtis (Pickess), Haran, Lake, Raynor, Craven, Francis, Davis, Bagshaw. Unused sub: Shakespeare.


Welling United (2) 2 Folkestone Invicta (2) 4

RM Aug 27, 2001 - Attendance: 605
The feelgood factor went into overdrive on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon as Folkestone Invicta went top of the Dr Martens League Premier Division for the first time ever after an incident-packed victory in the sunshine at Welling United.

The game featured six goals, three penalties and a sending off as Invicta first squandered a 2-0 lead after Welling had been reduced to ten men before restoring a two-goal advantage in the final quarter of an hour. And goalkeeper Kevin Hudson saved a penalty for the second time in three days when Welling had the chance to make it 3-3.

Welling had the better of the early chances as Anthony Henry cleared off the line from Anthony Riviere after five minutes and Hudson made a great save to deny Dave Powell when Dean Standen put him through after eight minutes. At the other end, Invicta forced their first corner when Welling goalkeeper Glen Knight made a superb double save to deny first Ricky Reina and then Anthony Hogg. But the visitors opened the scoring from James Virgo's subsequent 12th minute set piece as centre half Scott Daniels headed home.

Invicta now got on top as Reina was close from a Danny G. Chapman free kick and James Dryden headed over from a Henry cross. It was 2-0 after 29 minutes when Virgo converted a penalty after one of the game's big turning points saw last man Mark Hone sent off for bringing down Reina after the Welling defender and colleague Lew Watts made a complete hash of getting the ball clear. The result did not seem in doubt when Invicta broke again and Knight saved from Hogg after a move involving Virgo on the half hour mark. But the 10-men Wings staged a remarkable comeback as Riviere buried Simon Glover's cross from the left after 38 minutes to make it 2-1 and Powell dinked the ball over Hudson to make it 2-2 after 41 minutes after skipping past Andy Larkin.

Suddenly it was Invicta who were grateful to hear the half time whistle and have the time to re-group as Gary Abbott curled a free kick just over the crossbar and Henry made a saving tackle on Riviere. The drama continued after the interval as within ten seconds of the re-start Reina had burst down the right and forced a save from Knight. There was a let off for Invicta after 48 minutes when Abbott shot against the crossbar from substitute Dave Fleimng's low right wing cross. Knight saved with his feet to deny Larkin when Reina met a Virgo corner after 70 minutes. And Invicta were to go ahead again from another Virgo corner after 72 minutes when Hogg hit a stunning volley to make it 3-2 and three goals in three games for him.

Welling rallied again as Abbott headed over and a Chapman tackle denied Fleming after a move involving Powell and Riviere. And when referee Ian Gosling pointed to the penalty spot again for a push in the box after 77 minutes, Hudson became Invicta's hero again when he saved Abbott's penalty and Powell's follow up. And Invicta made it 4-2 with Virgo's second penalty of the game after Welling substitute Chris Currie had pulled back Invicta substitute Nicky Dent.

Browne headed a Peter Overton header off the line deep into injury time after himself having been brought down on the edge of the box at the other end to cap a historic day for Invicta. There were bookings for Welling's Standen (dissent), Watts (altercation with Dryden), Overton (bringing down Browne) and Powell (dissent) and for Invicta's Chapman (challenge on Powell).

WELLING UNITED: Knight, Watts, Hone, Standen (Fleming 47 mins), Edwards, Lindsey (Currie 82 mins), Riviere, Overton, Abbott, Powell, Glover (Saunders 82 mins).
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, A. Larkin (Dent 70 mins), Daneils, A. Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden (D. Chapman 80 mins), Reina (L. Winfield 90 mins), Henry.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 2 Salisbury City (0) 0

RM Aug 25, 2001 - Attendance 338
A goal in each half from James Dryden and Anthony Hogg gave Folkestone Invicta a second successive home victory as they beat Salisbury City at a very hot Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon.

Striker Dryden - who became the father of a baby boy Jack last Monday - opened the scoring after 42 minutes when he headed in a Danny G. Chapman cross from the left in a move started by James Virgo. The in-form Hogg made it 2-0 after 64 minutes when he applied the final touch following a neat one-two with Anthony Henry.

Salisbury had missed a perfect chance to equalise when Invicta goalkeeper Kevin Hudson saved Paul Sales' penalty after 55 minutes as referee Neil Perkins pointed to the spot for a seemingly innocuous challenge by Scott Daniels on Sales. Hogg should have made it 3-0 when he did the hard part by taking the ball on and going round goalkeeper Justin Shuttlewood but shot against the base of the post after latching onto Martin Chandler's crossfield ball.

Invicta welcomed back striker Nicky Dent after suspension and a holiday in Corfu. But it was the visitors who had the better of the early chances as Invicta centre half Andy Larkin made a saving tackle on Robbie Speakman after 10 minutes and Salisbury centre half Roger Emms shot over following a corner after 17 minutes. And Hudson was called into action after 19 minutes when he touched over Sales' powerful 25 yard strike.

Invicta's first real chance came after 26 minutes as Dryden shot wide when a combination of Dent and Chandler played him through the middle. The home side were close again on the half hour mark when a Hogg shot deflected just in front of the stretching Anthony Browne at the far post. Salisbury had another chance a minute later when Speakman's shot deflected for a corner after a run from little Tyronne Bowers.

The opening goal lifted Invicta and Hogg shot into the side netting with the last touch of the first half after slipping through the Salisbury defence. Hudson made a great save to deny Wayne Turk when Sales slipped the ball through to him after 50 minutes and defenders Emms and Kevin Braybrook went close from the subsequent corner. Hudson's penalty save capped a fine personal display and two minutes later he was at it again when he turned Salisbury player-manager Steve Richardson's quickly-taken free kick round for a corner after Daniels had been booked for a foul on Sales. 19-year-old Lee Winfield came on for Dent after 87 minutes and the substitute had the ball in the net two minutes later, but the 'goal' was ruled out for offside.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, A. Larkin, Daniels, A. Hogg, Chandler, D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Dent (L. Winfield 87 mins), Henry. Unused subs: D. Chapman, D. Larkin.
SALISBURY CITY: Shuttlewood, Harbut (Bartlett 60 mins), Cook, Braybrook (Matthews 80 mins), Emms, Davies, Turk, Sales, Richardson, Speakman (Killick 87 mins), Bowers.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 2 Crawley Town (0) 1

RM August 25, 2001 Att: 309
Folkestone Invicta recorded their first victory of their new Dr Martens League Premier Division campaign when they won 2-1 at home to much-fancied Crawley Town at Cheriton Road on Tuesday night thanks to goals from midfielders Martin Chandler and Anthony Hogg. Spirits were raised at the club as home supporters got their first glimpse of new players Anthony Browne, Danny Chapman and Anthony Henry and they liked what they saw. Former Dover Athletic player Browne was particularly impressive at right back. And with the tidy Chapman occupying the holding role in midfield, the impressive Hogg was able to get forward to support the front two of Ricky Reina and James Dryden. Dryden was playing just a day after becoming a father for the first time.

Invicta opened the scoring after just four minutes when Chandler followed up after Hogg's shot had come back off the post following some typically strong play from Reina down the left flank. But there was a real let off for the home side after 19 minutes when Crawley striker Warren Waugh blasted against the crossbar from just a couple of yards out when it seemed easier to score. And that from a rebound after a combination of goalkeeper Kevin Hudson's legs and centre half Scott Daniels on the line had somehow kept out Waugh's initial shot from Warren Bagnall's low ball in from the left. Invicta were close themselves from their first corner of the game after 24 minutes when Hogg met James Virgo's set piece with a bullet of a header which was blocked in between the post and line. Waugh was wide with another good chance after 28 minutes when he got in behind Andy Larkin and bore down on the Invicta goal again.

The stretching Reina forced a save from Crawley goalkeeper Andy Little after 36 minutes and was even closer three minutes later when Little made a great save to deny him after Dryden had met Browne's free kick from the right. Reina ran at the Crawley defence again when he took the ball off Ian Payne but couldn't get any power behind his shot after 53 minutes. Crawley centre half Marc Pullen became the game's only booking when he tripped Hog as he surged forward in the 64th minute. But Hogg exacted far greater retribution with a stunning volley to make it 2-0 from Virgo's subsequent free kick.

Invicta were enjoying themselves and Keith Sharman touched the ball onto his own post when intercepting Reina's ball to Dryden after 66 minutes. Hogg then shot inches wide when Dryden unselfishly squared the ball to him on the edge of the box after 72 minutes. But the visitors set up a tense finish when substitute Rob Collins tapped the ball home to make it 2-1 after 64 minutes when Danny Carroll played the ball across from the right after a move started by Waugh. Invicta survived seemingly endless injury time but went close again themselves when substitute Lee Winfield's shot was blocked by Little after Dryden had played the ball back to him from the left hand side of the box.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, A. Larkin, Daniels, A. Hogg, Chandler, Chapman, Dryden, Reina (L. Winfield 82 mins), Henry. Unused subs: D. Larkin, S. Hogg.
CRAWLEY TOWN: Little, Holmes, Payne, Sharman, Pullen, Ugbah, Carroll, Harlow, Bagnall (Collins 62 mins), Waugh, Brake. Unused subs: Restarick, Doherty.


Tiverton Town (1) 2 - 0 (0) Folkestone Invicta

RM August 18, 2001 Attendance: 903.
A new look Folkestone Invicta side began their Dr Martens League Premier Division campaign with a 2-0 defeat away to newcomers Tiverton Town in deepest Devon on Saturday afternoon. Phil Everett opened the scoring for Tivvy after 12 minutes and fellow striker Antony Lynch made the points safe after 75 minutes. It was an historic day for the home club as they made their entrance at Premier Division level and the game attracted a gate of 903 to Ladysmead.

But it was not all doom and gloom for Invicta as they gave debuts to four new players after a summer of comings and goings at Cheriton Road. Into the side came defenders Anthony Browne (ex Dover Athletic), Anthony Henry (ex West Ham and Lincoln City) and Danny Chapman (ex Barnet and Welling), as well as new captain Danny G. Chapman (ex Welling and Dover Athletic). All four players are more than equipped to handle life at this level, though obviously it will take a few weeks for the new side to fully gel. Invicta created a couple of early chances as Anthony Hogg hit a low shot at goalkeeper Paul Edwards and Edwards then did well to touch over a delicate Ricky Reina chip within the opening three minutes.

But Tiverton were close themselves after four minutes when Neil Saunders headed just wide from former Blackburn player Nick Marker's free kick. The opening goal came in the 13th minute when big Lynch forced his way down the right flank and sent in a low cross for striking partner Everett to put the ball into the empty net. Spurred on by the goal, Tiverton were close again two minutes later when goalscorer Everett crossed from the left bye line, but goalkeeper Kevin Hudson saved Kevin Nancekivell's far post header. Invicta went close to equalising after 42 minutes when Edwards made a good reflex save to deny Hogg after a James Virgo corner.

The visitors switched from 5-3-2 to 4-4-2 for the second half as Browne pushed up into midfield and Chapman switched to right back. Tiverton goalkeeper Edwards came out to save from Reina after 51 minutes when James Dryden nodded the ball on and Martin Chandler forced a corner when he ran at the Tiverton defence after 62 minutes. Invicta were edging their way back into it, but they fell 2-0 down after 75 minutes when Tiverton substitute Stuart Smith headed a Hudson clearance back to leave Lynch completely in the clear to round the Invicta goalkeeper and make it 2-0.

Hudson did well to touch over a Lynch chip after 86 minutes when the ball fell to the striker again in the box. And Invicta were denied a consolation goal deep into injury time when Dryden shot into the side netting after Hogg had headed a goal kick back into the Tiverton penalty area. Debutant Lynch was most people's man of the match, although Tiverton midfielder Scott Rogers won the sponsor's vote. Lynch's contribution more than compensated for the absence of last season's top goalscorer Steve Ovens who was best man at his brother's wedding.

Invicta will consider what difference the inventiveness of the suspended Nicky Dent might have made. There were bookings for Tiverton's Steve Winter, Dave Leonard and substitute Smith and for Invicta's Virgo.

TIVERTON TOWN: Edwards, Winter (Pears 76 mins), Saunders, Tatterton, Marker, Rogers, Nancekivell, Lynch (Toomey 88 mins), Everett, Chenoworth, Leonard (Smith 55 mins).
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Hudson, Browne, Virgo, D. Chapman (Ayling 79 mins), Daniels, A. Hogg, Chandler. D. G. Chapman, Dryden, Reina, Henry. Unused subs: D. Larkin, S. Hogg.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 1 - 2 (0) Ashford Town

RM August 14, 2001
Folkestone Invicta managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory when they went down 2-1 at home to Ashford Town in their last pre-season friendly of the summer at Cheriton Road on a warm Tuesday night. And it was popular left winger Jeff Ross who grabbed Ashford's 73rd minute winner to make it a dream return to Cheriton Road after his recent move back to Ashford from Invicta. Invicta had opened the scoring after just five minutes when Anthony Hogg headed in an inviting cross from Andy Larkin.

The Folkestone side included newcomers Danny Chapman, ex Barnet and Welling, and Anthony Henry, who had been at West Ham United at the same time as Martin Chandler and then played at Lincoln. The home side dominated the first half but did not turn their superiority into further goals. James Virgo had an 8th minute shot blocked at the far post after good play involving debutant Lee Winfield and Ricky Reina. Goalscorer Hogg then hit a good chance over the crossbar after 21 minutes following a good combination with striker James Dryden and Reina was close at the far post four minutes later after a good move involving Larkin and Chandler. But Ashford went close themselves when Paul Hallett shot just wide of the post after 33 minutes. At the other end, a Winfield shot flew just wide of the post after Dryden tee-d him up. Ashford got back into the game after the interval and equalised after 70 minutes courtesy of a header from Steve Smith. And Ross ran down the left flank before rifling home the winner past goalkeeper James Howard just three minutes later.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Howard, Chapman, Virgo, A. Larkin, Daniels, Hogg, Chandler (D. Larkin 72 mins), Henry, Dryden, Reina (Ayling 45 mins), L. Winfield.
ASHFORD TOWN: Whitehouse, Taylor, Thomas, Heather, Bartholomew, Hobbs, Nolan, Hallett, Smith, Guiver, Ross.


Dover (1) 4 - 1 (0) Folkestone Invicta

RM August 09, 2001
Folkestone Invicta went down 4-1 at Crabble last Thursday night as Dover Athletic won the Malcolm Welsh Shield for the fourth successive year.

The home side opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Jamie Day curled a sidefooter into the top corner past Mark Beeney. The goal was set up by Dover's new signing Keith Scott as the ex-Wycombe forward was played through on the right hand side and crossed for former Bournemouth player Day to strike. Former Maidstone and Leeds United goalkeeper Beeney became the latest custodian to stand in between the posts for Invicta due to Dave Wietecha's absence in New Zealand. Beeney has also been training with Dover and was on the bench for them in their 3-2 win at Purfleet a couple of nights earlier. Scott had the ball in the net himself midway through the first half, but the 'goal' was ruled out for offside.

Invicta were themselves playing some good football and striker James Dryden was close to making it 1-1. The return of left back James Virgo has also raised spirits at the club and the former Dover man's set pieces caused problems in the home defence. But a first half injury to centre half Lee Dyson dealt a blow to Invicta's defence. Beeney was also replaced at half time by Dover's reserve goalkeeper Kevin Hudson who soon had to pick the ball out of the net as Danny Hockton made it 2-0 when he turned in substitute Jimmy Strouts' cross from the right after 50 minutes. Scott put the result beyond doubt with further goals after 60 and 63 minutes. 34-year-old Scott has made hundreds of Football League appearances as well as a handful of Premiership games with Swindon.

Former Dover player Anthony Hogg had a good game in the Invicta midfield and pulled a goal back after 66 minutes when he beat Paul Hyde after latching onto a Paul Chambers through ball. With Nicky Dent absent and Ricky Reina injured, Dryden had to battle away alone in the Invicta attack for much of the night and will have done his growing reputation no harm with another energetic performance, coming close to pulling a second goal back. Former Invicta reserve team player Farrell Cox came on as a late substitute for Dover.

DOVER ATHLETIC: Hyde, Dorrian, Norman, Leberl (Strouts 45 mins), Shearer, Vowden, Elliot (Cox 84 mins), Day (Okafor 66 mins), Scott (Hickman 84 mins), Hockton (Lane 84 mins), Inman (McRobert 45 mins).
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Beeney (Hudson 45 mins), Daniels, Virgo, A. Larkin, Dyson (Winfield), Hogg, Chandler (D. Larkin), Chambers Dryden, Everitt, Towse.


Folkestone Invicta (2) 2 - 3 (1) Maidstone United

RM Aug 08, 2001
Folkestone Invicta squandered a 2-0 lead as they went down 3-2 at home to Kent League newcomers Maidstone United in Tuesday night's friendly at Cheriton Road. Michael Everitt headed Invicta into a 22nd minute lead when he met a lovely left wing cross from Darren Winfield at the far post. And John Ayling made it 2-0 in the 30th minute when he beat two defenders before slotting the ball home after great build up play from captain Paul Chambers.

Maidstone's finishing had let them down in the first half but they were thrown a lifeline when Jody Kempster pulled a goal back in the 41st minute. Invicta lost the initiative after the interval as they made several substitutions, with Thursday night's visit to Dover in mind. And Phil Turner equalised from close range for Maidstone after 51 minutes. Richard Sinden completed the Stones' comeback with a penalty after 76 minutes after himself being fouled. Both sides had a goal disallowed in the closing minutes.

Finishing had been the difference between the two sides during the first half as Kempster shot wide early on when given on-side and presented with a gilt-edged chance. Striker Jon Difford shot wide with a good chance to equalise straight after Everitt's goal and Difford blasted over again after 24 minutes. Ian Court then shot wide on the left hand side of the box, while at the other end Everitt shot over from the edge of the box. Invicta goalkeeper Andrew Walker made a good save after 33 minutes, and Maidstone missed another good chance after Jamie Kempster's shot rebounded into a forward's path after 35 minutes. Defender Danny Porter made a reappearance in Invicta colours but limped off at half time with a twisted knee.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Andrew Walker, Darren Winfield, Danny Porter (Philippe xxxxx 45 mins), Andy Larkin (Dan Fisk 45 mins), Michael Everitt (Antohny Hogg 45 mins), Dan Larkin, Martin Chandler, Paul Chambers, McLoughlin (Everitt 77 mins), Nicky Dent (James Dryden 45 mins), John Ayling (Dan Smith 45 mins).


Eastbourne Borough (0) 2 - 0 (0) Folkestone Invicta

RM Aug 05, 2001
Folkestone Invicta went down to two late goals away to Eastbourne Borough amidst glorious sunshine at Priory Lane on Sunday afternoon.

Daren Pearce opened the scoring for the home side with a penalty after 75 minutes and the prolific Keith Miles made it 2-0 in the final minute. Playing their third game in four days and with several absentees, Invicta's squad was down to the bare bones after a night out in Eastbourne following their 3-0 defeat at Horsham on Saturday afternoon. The home club lent Invicta goalkeeper Mark Oldroyd for the day and the visitors also called up youngsters Dan Fisk and Michael Yianni.

In a game of few chances, Oldroyd looked assured in the Invicta goal but was to be heavily involved in both goals. First the goalkeeper was adjudged to have brought down substitute Steve Dallaway following fellow substitute Matt Crabb's low through ball down the left hand side of the box. And then Oldroyd's last minute clearance was charged down by Dallaway to allow former St Leonards marksman Miles to send a cracking finish into the net.

Invicta's only real chance of the game came after 77 minutes when Eastbourne goalkeeper Dean Lightwood touched Lee Dyson's free kick round the post for a corner following a foul on Dan Larkin. Eastbourne had created the few first half chances as Oldroyd saved at the far post from Nathan Godden in the 4th minute, Pearce shot over when a corner was partially headed clear after 40 minutes and Oldroyd saved from Clinton More after 41minutes. Matt Smart chipped over in the 47th minute when the referee over-ruled an assistant's flag for offside and Pearce was wide at the far post after 53 minutes. Oldroyd then did well to save from Miles after 66 minutes when Pearce's ball in from the right presented the substitute with a chance inside the box. Invicta gave a cameo appearance to Dominic Castle after 88 minutes, but there was to be no fairytale equaliser for the cult figure who had accompanied the side on their weekend away. For second half substitute Michael Yianni it was his debut outing with the first team, one of five teenagers to finish the game for Neil Cugley's side.

EASTBOURNE BOROUGH: Lightwood, Baker, Stevens (Willard 50 mins), Barham (Verow 58 mins), Austin, Godden, Westcott, Pearce, Duciwe (Miles 50 mins), Smart (Crabb 58 mins), More (Dallaway 63 mins).
FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Oldroyd, Fisk (Yianni 45 mins), D. Larkin, A. Larkin (Castle 88 mins), Dyson, Hogg, Everitt, Towse, Dryden, Reina (Fisk 77 mins), Daniels.


Horsham (1) 3 - 0 (0) Folkestone Invicta

RM Aug 04, 2001
A below par Folkestone Invicta slumped to a 3-0 defeat in Saturday's friendly away to Ryman League Division Two side Horsham at Queens Road.

The home side opened the scoring after 43 minutes when Brian Andrews rounded goalkeeper Andrew Walker to slot the ball home. But there was more than a hint of controversy about the second goal midway through the second half as Marcel Veniar got in between a defender and Walker but appeared to punch the ball into the net with his fist. There was no way back for Invicta after that and Gary Charles volleyed home a corner to increase Horsham's lead and complete the scoring with about ten minutes remaining.

Invicta's best chances fell to striker Nicky Dent but they were comfortably dealt with by the home goalkeeper. Goalkeeper Walker and Matt Bower both picked up injuries and did not play in Invicta's game at Eastbourne on Sunday afternoon.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Walker, Everitt (Hogg 45 mins), D. Larkin (Towse), A. Larkin, Dyson, Daniels, Chandler, Chambers (Reina), Dryden, Dent, Bower.


Ashford Town (1) 1 - 3 (1) Folkestone Invicta

RM Aug 02, 2001
Two goals in the closing ten minutes settled a hastily arranged friendly in Folkestone Invicta's favour at the Homelands last Thursday night.

Invicta stepped in at the last minute after Ashford's proposed friendly against Portsmouth had fallen through and the visitors were ahead as early as the 2nd minute when midfielder Anthony Hogg struck from the edge of the penalty area. Invicta had further chances as Nicky Dent hit the crossbar with a header and striking partner James Dryden headed over. But Ashford were level midway through the first half through Steve Smith and could have gone ahead a minute later when they awarded a penalty, only for Invicta goalkeeper Andrew Walker to save Tony Eeles' spot kick.

Dryden had been replaced with Ricky Reina at half time but later came back on for Dent during the second half. And it was Dryden who restored Invicta's lead during the closing stages when he headed in a Martin Chandler corner after the Ashford goalkeeper had made a great save from Chandler himself. And Matt Bower made it 3-1 in the final minute when he chipped the goalkeeper to score against his old club after a Chandler through ball.

Invicta had centre half PTI instructor Lee Dyson back in their starting line up after his recent trip to Cyprus, as well as captain Paul Chambers back from injury and gave a start to teenager Mark Towse. The Ashford line included former Invicta players Stuart White and Aaron O'Leary, as well as Roy Guiver and Jeff Ross, who has now re-joined Ashford. Teenage striker Guiver also played for Ashford in their 1-0 home defeat against Deal Town.

Invicta will not now travel to meet Ashford this coming Saturday as had been scheduled but will almost certainly be playing them at home on either Monday or Tuesday night (August 13th or 14th).

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Walker, Bower, D. Larkin, Daniels, Dyson, Hogg, Chandler, Chambers (Everitt), Dryden (Reina 45 mins), Dent (Dryden), Towse.


Folkestone Invicta (2) 5 - 2 (1) Tonbridge Angels

RM July 28, 2001
Folkestone Invicta got their hands on the Sid Burvill Cup when they beat Tonbridge Angels 5-2 at a boiling hot Cheriton Road on Saturday afternoon.

The game is played annually in memory of the club's former gateman who died last year and young striker James Dryden led the way as Invicta recorded their first victory of the summer in an open game. Dryden set up Invicta's first goal and scored their next two on an afternoon when play had to be stopped to allow the suffering players to enjoy some much-needed liquid refreshment.

It was Nicky Dent who opened the scoring in the 17th minute when he slotted home the rebound after Ayling had shot against the post. Tonbridge had themselves made a positive start and were level after 28 minutes when Simon Elliott stabbed home Brendon Cass' low cross. Dryden restored Invicta's lead after 38 minutes when he latched onto a through ball from John Ayling and Dryden made it 3-1 after the interval.

Tonbridge striker Matt Toms missed a good chance to bring the visitors back into the game. But Matt Bower made it 4-1 in the 70th minute when the former Ashford Town and Welling United player opened his account for the club following a Martin Chandler through ball. Tonbridge pulled another goal back with ten minutes remaining when new signing Mark Greatorex was the first to pounce on a loose ball in the six yard box. Invicta had the final say when substitute Roy Guiver took full advantage of hesitancy between a Tonbridge defender and goalkeeper Joe Radford to score from the edge of the penalty area. Former Invicta left back Richard Ponsford was in the Tonbridge starting line up but had to limp off before half time.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Walker, Everitt, D. Larkin, A. Larkin, Daniels, Hogg, Chandler, Bower, Dryden, Dent (Guiver), Ayling (Winfield).
TONBRIDGE ANGELS: Radford, Tingley, Ponsford (Sinclair 37 mins), Humphrey, Gibbs (Causon 66 mins), Greatorex (Cass 83 mins), Bates. Blewden (Wilson 58 mins), Elliott, Cass (Dunn 58 mins), Toms.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 0 - 8 (2) Charlton Athletic

RM July 25, 2001
Folkestone Invicta suffered an 8-0 hammering at the hands of a Charlton Athletic X1 in last Wednesday night's pre-season friendly at Cheriton Road. The Premiership club sent a stronger side than many had expected and emphasised their superiority with six second half goals.

All eyes at the start of the match were on striker Clive Mendonca, on the comeback trail after being injured whilst playing for Charlton against Queens Park Rangers on December 20, 1999. Mendonca had become an Addicks legend when he scored a hat-trick I n their epic 4-4 Play Off Final draw against Sunderland at Wembley back in May 1998. But Mendonca was to score on the night, though his striking partner Kevin Lisbie did help himself to a couple.

Invicta had enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges as striker Ricky Reina nearly got on the end of Matt Bower's ball in after just five minutes. Nicky Dent was again looking sharp and a quality chip from the Invicta striker rebounded back off the crossbar after 17 minutes. Dent was close again when Charlton goalkeeper Mark Brennan touched over his header after 29 minutes following another ball in from Bower. But Charlton opened the scoring after 33 minutes when the unmarked Lisbie headed in a cross from the right by trialist Martin.

Charlton now took control of the game as Lisbie slid a low shot wide after 40 minutes and Invicta goalkeeper Andrew Walker got down to save from Charlie McDonald a minute later. It was 2-0 right on half time when Lisbie returned the compliment by running down the right and crossing for Martin to head home at the far post. The unmarked McDonald made it 3-0 after 52 minutes with a low finish to trialist Lester's right wing cross. It was one-way traffic Walker touched substitute Mark De Bolla's shot onto the crossbar after 53 minutes and McDonald struck again in the 54th minute with a header from another Lester cross from the right. Martin missed virtually an open goal at the far post when fellow goalscorers Lisbie and McDonald carved out another chance for him on the hour.

There was brief respite for Invicta when substitute John Ayling's shot was turned round the post by Brennan after 62 minutes. But Charlton were to add four more goals in the final quarter of an hour as both sides made a series of substitutions. Huge centre half Danny Shittu whacked home the fifth to leave Walker with no chance after 77 minutes. Shittu had been loaned out to Blackpool last season and helped them to win promotion from Division Three. It was almost too easy as Lisbie added his second goal of the game after 78 minutes and substitute De Bolla made it 7-0 after 82 minutes. Substitute Byron Bubb completed the scoring with a volley after 87 minutes. Bubb had been the outstanding player when he scored twice as Millwall beat Folkestone Invicta 6-0 in the 2nd Round of the F. A. Youth Cup at the New Den in November 1999. Invicta players Roy Guiver, Michael Everitt and Ayling all played that night and will not have needed reminding of his inventive talent.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Walker, Everitt, D. Larkin (Winfield 74 mins), A. Larkin (Towse 70 mins), Daniels, Hogg, Chandler, Reina, Dryden (Guiver 76 mins), Dent (Ayling 57 mins), Bower.


Folkestone Invicta (1) 2 - 4 (4) Margate

RM July 21, 2001
A rush of goals at the start and end of the first half was the story of Folkestone Invicta's 4-2 defeat at home to Margate in Saturday afternoon's friendly at Cheriton Road.

Conference new boys Margate went ahead after just 39 seconds when Mo "Tako" Takalobigashi headed the ball home after Invicta goalkeeper Andrew Walker could only attempt to punch away a cross from the left. But Invicta were level after just four minutes when the ball fell to lively striker James Dryden after a free kick from the right.

New Margate goalkeeper Charlie Mitten got down to save Nicky Dent's low shot after 18 minutes from an Anthony Hogg pass. But Margate restored their lead after 21 minutes when right back Gary Blackford played the ball forward and pacy striker Leon Braithwaite lobbed goalkeeper Walker from the edge of the area. The outcome was decided with two further Margate goals in the last three minutes of the first half. Little midfielder John Keister made it 3-1 after 43 minutes with the goal of the game when his shot from outside the area went in off the underside of the crossbar. And it was 4-1 right on half time when a Jay Saunders shot was deflected into the path of Takalobigashi who slotted the ball home for his second goal of the match.

Margate replaced nine players at half time as they took off last season's Dr Martens League Premier Division championship winners and gave a run out to new players such as James Virgo, Simon Beard, Robert Codner and Simon Ullathorne. They also changed their kit from lime green to dark blue. There were early chances at both ends at the start of the second half as centre half Andy Larkin went close with a header from a corner for Invicta and goalkeeper Walker got down to make a save when Margate threatened. But with Margate having made so many changes it was Invicta who dominated the second half as striker Dent shot against the underside of the crossbar after 51 minutes, with Dryden putting the rebound over.

The home side pulled a goal back on the hour when left winger Jeff Ross sent over a trademark far post cross which Dent headed home despite the valiant efforts of former Dover and Gillingham goalkeeper Mitten to prevent the ball from crossing the line. Invicta then did everything but make it 4-3 as first Martin Chandler mis-cued his volley when Dryden put the ball in from the left after 63 minutes. Then Dryden was himself desperately unlucky twice just a minute later when he was first denied by Mitten and then saw his shot cannon off the crossbar. And Dryden was close again after 67 minutes when he shot over after receiving the ball from striking partner Dent.

Folkestone Invicta: Walker, White (Everitt), Winfield (Towse), A. Larkin, D. Larkin, Hogg, Chandler, Chambers, Dryden (Guiver), Dent, Ross.
MARGATE (1st half): Mitten, Blackford, Lamb, Yorath, Williams, O'Connell, Munday, Kesiter, Braithwaite, Takalobigashi, Saunders.
MARGATE (2nd half): Mitten, Virgo, Codner, Campbell, Beard, Hackett, Henry, Chapman, Ullathorne, Braithwaite (Hefner), Azzorpardi.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 0 - 3 (2) Brighton & Hove Albion

RM July 18, 2001
Folkestone Invicta went down 3-0 at home to a strong Brighton & Hove Albion side in a friendly at Cheriton Road last Wednesday night, with the high profile Bobby Zamora scoring twice during the first half and right back Shaun Wilkinson cracking home a third after the interval. Brighton had won 1-0 at Worthing the previous night but manager Micky Adams chose to send an almost full first team down to meet Invicta which added interest for home supporters.

The first near miss of the game came as early as the 4th minute when Brighton goalkeeper Will Packham's attempted clearance cannoned off James Dryden for a goal kick. Playing in goal for Invicta was Andrew Walker who appeared for Colchester United last season and is currently training with Welling United. Walker was called into action in the 10th minute when he palmed away a long range effort from midfielder Geoff Pitcher, Brighton's recent signing from Kingstonian. It was ace marksman Zamora who opened the scoring after 12 minutes when he headed in left back Mark Jackson's cross.

Invicta had a chance in the 20th minute when Dryden's shot was deflected into the side netting for a corner and three minutes later when Stuart White shot at Packham But Brighton were looking dangerous down the left flank and Trevor Brooker shot over after 27 minutes when he seemed sure to score as he set himself up after Zamora played him in. The Seagulls had further chances on the half hour mark when Walker made a great save to keep out Zamora's sidefooted shot and Richard Carpenter's fierce shot flew just wide of the post. It was 2-0 after 34 minutes when Zamora touched in Brooker's cross form the left and Zamora was denied his hat-trick a minute later when Walker saved again following another dangerous ball in from Brooker.

The home side enjoyed a better second half as Martin Chandler moved up from stand-in centre half into his more familiar midfield role and soon sent in a dangerous cross from the right. But Brighton hit the crossbar at the other end when Wilkinson let fly after 49 minutes. It was Wilkinson who completed the scoring with a cracking finish after 62 minutes. Brighton only made the one substitution while Invicta made several changes and it was one of those substitutes, Roy Guiver, who went close to pulling a goal back for in the final minute.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Andrew Walker, Stuart White, Dan Larkin (Matt Towse 75 mins), Andy Larkin, Martin Chandler, Anthony Hogg, Michael Everitt (Darren Winfield 45 mins), Paul Chambers (Jeff Ross 45 mins), James Dryden (Roy Guiver 83 mins), Nicky Dent (Ricky Reina 45 mins), Matt Bower.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION: Will Packham, Shaun Wilkinson, Mark Jackson, Matthew Wicks, Andy Crosby, Steve Melton (Daniel Marney), Geoff Pitcher, Richard Carpenter, Bobby Zamora, Gary Hart, Paul Brooker. Unused subs: Adam Hinslewood, Scott Ramsay, Kevin Hemsley.


Folkestone Invicta (0) 0 - 3 (3) Brighton & Hove Albion

RM 12-Jul-00
Folkestone Invicta went down 3-0 in their first pre-season friendly against Leyton Orient, with all the goals coming during the second half. The Os opened the scoring with a rebound at the far post after 68 minutes and added further goals after 77 and 90 minutes.

Both sides had hit the upright during the first half. First Invicta captain Paul Chambers lobbed against the crossbar from the edge of the box after Orient goalkeeper Scott Barrett had made a complerte hash of his attempted clearance. And then Orient hit the far post at the other end after a ball in from the left in the 37th minute. Lively striker James Dryden had a shot turned over for a corner in the 55th minute and was then close with a header from Martin Chandler's subsequent corner and Stuart White also forced a corner after 50 minutes.

Invicta gave first appearances to goalkeeper Gavin Hopper (ex Gillingham under 19s), defender Dan Larkin (younger brother of centre half Andy), fitness instructor Lee Dyson and Matt Bower, a new signing from Welling United who has also played for Ashford Town.

FOLKESTONE INVICTA: Gavin Hopper, Stuart White (Michael Everitt 68 mins), Dan Larkin (Darren Winfield 73 mins), Andy Larkin, Lee Dyson, Anthony Hogg, Martin Chandler, Paul Chambers (Jeff Ross 71 mins), James Dryden, Nicky Dent (Roy Guiver 66 mins), Matt Bower.